Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Tuesday, October 13.
Tuesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Three of four Red Bull seats filled for 2021 - Marko
© Reuters
Three out of Red Bull's four Formula 1 seats for 2021 are as good as filled already, Dr Helmut Marko has revealed.
It is believed Daniil Kvyat will be ousted at Alpha Tauri and replaced with Honda-backed rookie Yuki Tsunoda, with Pierre Gasly to be his teammate.
Max Verstappen is already under contract at the senior team, so that only leaves the heavily-criticised Alex Albon's fate that is unclear.
"We want to be clear about the fourth place in Istanbul at the latest," Marko told Sport1, referring to the November 15 race in Turkey.
Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez are linked with Albon's seat, but Red Bull prefers to promote from within its own driver program.
Hulkenberg says his chances of the seat are "small".
And despite widespread criticism of the British-born Thai driver in the paddock, Marko says he is satisfied with Albon's performance.
"The gap to Max at the Nurburgring was acceptable," he said.
"If he continues to deliver such races, his cockpit is safe for 2021."
Marko, however, said it is imperative that Verstappen's teammate is on the pace.
"You cannot fight for the title with just one driver - that's clear. Competitiveness is what matters," he said.
Performance also matters to Verstappen, amid rumours he can get out of his Red Bull contract because of engine-related exit clauses.
"We want and need a competitive engine. Max wants that too," said Marko. "But there is no concrete exit clause if we don't have a Honda engine.
"He's in the form of his life," the Austrian continued. "He's the only one who can put Mercedes under pressure. I think in the same car Max would be leading.
"His father has a huge part in why Max is so outstanding," Marko continued. "People always say I'm tough, but what Max had to go through wasn't easy. But the success proves him right."
Grosjean points will not influence Haas' 2021 decision
© Reuters
Haas will not let a single good performance influence its driver decision for 2021, according to team boss Gunther Steiner.
At the Nurburgring, it began to become obvious that the American team could oust both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean at the end of the season.
Names including Nikita Mazepin, Callum Ilott, Sergio Perez and others are linked with the seats.
But at the Nurburgring, it was incumbent Grosjean who ended Haas' long points drought with a ninth place finish.
However, Steiner says the result will not influence Haas' driver deliberations.
"We cannot be so emotional that we go from race to race and decide like that," he told Ekstra Bladet newspaper.
"It's a decision for the long term, so I don't want to fall into the trap of not fully evaluating how the team can perform best with the best possible drivers for the next two to three years," Steiner added.
When asked what the chances are of an announcement prior to next weekend's race in Portugal, he answered: "If you ask me, don't bet.
"But I would say the odds are very low."
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton aims thinly-veiled dig at Sir Jackie Stewart
Sir Jackie Stewart said he could never regard Lewis Hamilton among F1's greatest drivers. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton on matching Michael Schumacher record: "It has not sunk in"
The British driver matched Michael Schumacher's mark of 91 grand prix wins with victory at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Sporting weekend in pictures: Lewis Hamilton, Rafael Nadal equal records
Rafael Nadal joined Roger Federer on 20 grand slam titles while Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher's Formula One victory record of 91 wins. Read more.
Abiteboul blames himself for losing Ricciardo
Cyril Abiteboul says he blames himself for losing Daniel Ricciardo to McLaren for 2021. Read more.
Alonso in Barcelona for Renault testing
Fernando Alonso arrived in Barcelona on Monday to prepare for his test debut at the wheel of Renault's 2020 car. Read more.
Taking over Honda engine is 'preferred solution' - Marko
Dr Helmut Marko says Red Bull's preferred solution for 2022 is to take over the intellectual property of Honda's power unit and go it alone as a works engine supplier. Read more.
Alfa Romeo to run Schumacher-Raikkonen in 2021 - Marko
All the signs are pointing towards a Mick Schumacher-Kimi Raikkonen lineup at Alfa Romeo for 2021. Read more.
Vettel suggests Schumacher better than Hamilton
Sebastian Vettel says his hero and mentor Michael Schumacher had talent that he has not seen "in anyone else". Read more.
Vettel not convinced about two-day race format
Sebastian Vettel is not convinced that Formula 1 should switch to a two-day format. Read more.
