Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Tuesday, September 29.
Tuesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Huge F2 crash may reveal 18-inch tyre flaw
© Reuters
F1's governing body will look into whether there is a safety problem with the sort of 18-inch wheels that are set to be introduced in Formula 1 in 2022.
Although the corona crisis has put back the introduction into F1 until 2022, the Formula 2 field is using 18-inch Pirelli tyres for the first time this year.
On Sunday at Sochi, a frightening and ultimately fiery crash between Luca Ghiotto and Jack Aitken forced the abandonment of the Formula 2 race.
Afterwards, some observers wondered if the crash highlighted a problem with the 18-inch design that causes a sudden puncture with even light contact.
"I hadn't noticed that," Daniel Ricciardo said on Sunday when asked about the incident and the potential link with the 18-inch wheels.
"I'm just glad that the drivers are ok, but I am sure that all the parties involved will look into whether there are any problems with the way the new wheels work."
F1 race director Michael Masi was asked the same question, and he also admitted he has not thought about whether the 18-inch design is inherently problematic.
"To be honest, regarding this incident, I was primarily interested in the condition of the drivers and the restoration of the barrier," he said.
"But the FIA always pays attention to these things, so I'm sure that together with Pirelli we will investigate it after the weekend, as is the case with any other serious incident."
Perez would accept Red Bull offer
© Reuters
Sergio Perez says he would "without a doubt" accept an offer to become Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull.
At Sochi, two weeks after his ousting from Racing Point became official, rumours swept the paddock that the Mexican driver had inked a pre-agreement with Haas for 2021.
The rumour indicated that the news could be made official this week.
"Nothing has been signed yet, but there is some progress," Perez said after Sunday's Russian GP.
"Let's see how things go. Neither myself nor the teams have any rush, so let's wait a bit."
Some sceptics of the Perez-Haas rumour indicated that the 30-year-old driver might not be interested in joining a small back-of-the-grid team like Haas.
"I need a project that motivates me to get up every morning, train and travel all over the world," Perez told the Spanish broadcaster Movistar.
It is notable, therefore, that another rumour is that Red Bull may be interested in signing Perez to replace Verstappen's struggling teammate Alex Albon.
"Our intention is absolutely to retain our current drivers," Red Bull boss Christian Horner said when asked about Perez and also Nico Hulkenberg's availability.
"Alex is our preferred choice," he added. "Inevitably, you have to be aware of what other options are out there but our absolute preference and likelihood is to retain our existing driver lineup."
However, when asked about Red Bull, Perez made it clear that he would not hesitate to say 'yes' if an offer was made.
"Without a doubt," he said at Sochi. "It is a team that is definitely going to fight for championships in the coming years."
More news from Formula 1:
Bottas slams critic after 'f*** you' rebuke
Valtteri Bottas issued a furious and sustained rebuke to his "critics" after winning Sunday's Russian GP. Read more.
Steward Salo hits back at Hamilton accusations
A well-known steward has hit back at Lewis Hamilton's accusations that officials are trying to stop his dominance of Formula 1. Read more.
Hamilton wants Wolff to stay at Mercedes
Toto Wolff on Sunday said he still isn't sure what official role he will have in 2021. Read more.
Little sympathy for Hamilton's Sochi penalties
The international media reacted with little sympathy after Lewis Hamilton suggested Formula 1 is trying to stop him dominating the sport. Read more.
Michael Masi rubbishes Lewis Hamilton accusation of being singled out
Australian race director Michael Masi insists there is a level playing field for all the drivers. Read more.
'Bigger update' coming for Nurburgring - Leclerc
An even "bigger update" for Ferrari's uncompetitive 2020 car will be introduced at the very next race at the Nurburgring. Read more.
Steiner hits out at Grosjean's car complaints
Haas boss Gunther Steiner was notably annoyed with his driver Romain Grosjean after the Russian GP. Read more.
Mick Schumacher not as good as his father - drivers
Two former F1 drivers do not believe Mick Schumacher is as talented as his famous father. Read more.
Hamilton 'playing poker' with 2021 contract
Lewis Hamilton is "playing poker" over his next contract at Mercedes, according to a former driver. Read more.
Salo denies leaking Hamilton penalty verdict
Mika Salo has hit back at claims he inappropriately leaked information about Lewis Hamilton's Sochi penalties to a television broadcaster. Read more.
Sochi set to discuss new Russia GP contract
Sochi is looking to extend its contract in order to keep hosting the Russian GP in 2021 and beyond. Read more.
Politician steps in to save Spanish GP
A prominent politician has stepped in with the goal of saving the Spanish GP. Read more.
