Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, December 16.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Father not sure who Verstappen's 2021 teammate will be
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Jos Verstappen says he doesn't know who his son Max's teammate will be at Red Bull in 2021.
It is a sure sign that the energy drink outfit is actually yet to decide between Alex Albon, Sergio Perez or Nico Hulkenberg.
"No, I really don't know," Jos told Ziggo Sport. "I haven't heard anything yet and I would know."
The Verstappen camp has made clear that their preference is Hulkenberg - but the latest reports suggest Sakhir GP winner Sergio Perez is the favourite.
"Let's just wait and see where he stands in relation to Max and Albon," Jos said. "I don't know how good Perez is."
What Verstappen senior does know is that Max's win from pole in Abu Dhabi was a good sign for 2021.
"The start of next season is more important than the end of this season," he said. "But if we can start like this early next year, then we have a chance."
Team boss Christian Horner told De Telegraaf that 23-year-old Verstappen's victory in the 2020 finale gives Red Bull "a lot of energy" for 2021.
"Of course I think we can beat them," he said. "Mercedes has a great team and they probably made their best car ever, but everyone can be beaten."
Vettel calls Leclerc 'most talented driver'
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel has hailed the talent and nature of the driver one Italian newspaper claims "pushed him to the exit" at Ferrari.
After the Abu Dhabi GP, where they were Ferrari teammates for the final time, Charles Leclerc - who had painted his helmet in tribute to Vettel - swapped his helmet with the quadruple world champion.
Vettel wrote on his helmet for the 23-year-old: "You are the most talented driver I came across in 15 years of F1. Don't waste it.
"But be sure, whatever you do, to be happy and smile. Thanks for everything!"
The German told the media: "I'll miss Charles. He's been giving me headaches here and there, and we're at quite different points in our careers and lives, but he's a good guy and I think he's the man of the future.
"I hope he gets the car he deserves," Vettel added.
For his part, Leclerc called the 33-year-old Vettel "an outstanding driver".
"Seb knows what I think about our relationship. We obviously had our moments, but he welcomed me to the team when I was new which meant a lot when I was a bit intimidated to drive alongside a four-time world champion."
Less gushing about Vettel's final Ferrari chapter, however, was the Italian media. La Gazzetta dello Sport said the German's "final dance as a Ferrari driver was torture".
Corriere della Sera added: "What seemed like a dream six years ago became a nightmare.
"The contract forced Vettel and Ferrari to live together until the end of the season, which was not good for anyone. Maranello, in fact, contested the season with a single driver - Charles Leclerc," it said.
Finally, Corriere dello Sport signed off: "The young Charles Leclerc replaced Vettel in the leadership role and in so doing pushed him to the exit."
More news from Formula 1:
F1 legend Sir Frank Williams admitted to hospital
The 78-year-old established the team in 1977 and it went on to win nine Constructors' Championships. Read more.
Bottas to do Arctic Lapland Rally in January
Valtteri Bottas plans to return to competition - in January. Read more.
Montezemolo says he could 'fix' Ferrari
Ferrari's iconic former president Luca di Montezemolo claims he could "fix" the fabled team's current problems. Read more.
Verstappen-Perez a 'strong lineup' - Berger
F1 legend Gerhard Berger says Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen would be a "strong lineup" for Red Bull. Read more.
Fittipaldi wants to keep 'one foot in F1'
Pietro Fittipaldi wants to race in 2021 but "keep one foot in Formula 1" at the same time. Read more.
Williams can beat two rival teams in 2021 - Russell
George Russell wants to pull Williams off the very bottom of the constructors' world championship next year. Read more.
Horner 'positive' about Red Bull's 2022 engine talks
Christian Horner is feeling "positive" about Red Bull's efforts to take over departing partner Honda's works engine program for 2022 and beyond. Read more.
