Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Tuesday, October 6.
Tuesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Nurburgring hopes to stay on F1 calendar
© Reuters
The boss of the Nurburgring is unsure whether this weekend's race will be a one-off for the former Formula 1 venue.
Alongside Mugello, Portimao, Imola and Istanbul, the German circuit is among those who are filling in the gaps in F1's hastily-compiled 'corona calendar'.
One criteria for the inclusion of some of those circuits is that local authorities have green-lighted the return of spectators, following the early 'ghost races'.
However, Istanbul's plans for up to 100,000 spectators has fallen through, with the government now announcing that fans will no longer be allowed at the 15 November event.
"As part of the efforts to combat the coronavirus epidemic, and in accordance with the recommendation of the Istanbul Provincial Pandemic Committee, the Turkish GP will take place without spectators," read a statement.
20,000 fans will be at the Nurburgring this weekend, though - even though the weather in the Eifel region in October is typically inclement.
"Even snow is not impossible," commented German former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. "The weather is promising to be very entertaining for the audience."
As for the circuit's chances of returning to the calendar in 2021, Nurburgring boss Mirco Markfort is not so sure.
"Of course we will try to keep Formula 1 in the future, but that also depends on the general conditions in the world - whether that is corona or the economic consequences of corona," he told Sport1.
"Doors can open for us, but that's all speculation."
Uncle 'amazed' Mick Schumacher's talent questioned
© Reuters
Mick Schumacher's uncle has hit back at doubts about the young German's talent.
Ralf Schumacher's famous brother is Michael, whose son Mick will drive the Alfa Romeo in Friday practice this weekend amid strong speculation about a full race debut for 2021.
But last week, another former F1 driver - Marc Surer - was quoted as questioning 21-year-old Mick Schumacher's talent, even though he is currently leading the Formula 2 standings.
"He is not with his father in terms of talent, but he is very capable of improving and his ability to learn is incredible," Surer told AvD Motorsport Magazin.
When told that Surer had played down Mick's talent, his uncle Ralf reacted to Sport1: "I'm amazed at how Marc Surer assesses that.
"He doesn't have the talent? How should you judge that? I find the statement to be absolute nonsense."
Many observers would agree that perhaps the most talented young driver in F1 today is Max Verstappen.
But Ralf insisted: "Max was also lucky. He has great talent, but he was also promoted."
The former six-time GP winner says it is more expensive than ever for any driver to break into Formula 1.
"From today's perspective, even eight million is no longer enough. It's a hell of a lot of work. Money stands against talent," said Ralf Schumacher.
"If someone can hardly afford to test, no matter how talented they are, they will lose to the one who has more money."
More news from Formula 1:
Jenson Button calls for Luca Corberi life ban after "disgusting behaviour"
Italian racer Luca Corberi hurled his bumper into the path of a rival after crashing out of the race at the Lonato circuit in Italy. Read more.
Verstappen would enjoy Hamilton-like dominance
Max Verstappen says he would enjoy dominating Formula 1. Read more.
