Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Sunday, July 12.
Sunday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Marko surprised by 'more powerful' Mercedes
© Reuters
Dr Helmut Marko says Red Bull-Honda has been caught out by Mercedes' engine boost for 2020.
The energy drink owned team had hoped to propel Max Verstappen to his first title this year, and Marko insists that target remains in place.
But he admitted to Bild am Sonntag newspaper: "It was surprising to us that the Mercedes has become significantly more powerful over the winter.
"The way Hamilton went past Albon at the start of the first race was terrifying," he added. "But that's just the way it is and we have to see how we can deal with that in the short term."
Already, it is clear that the gloves are off between the two teams, with Red Bull protesting not only Mercedes' DAS system but also Lewis Hamilton's ignoring of yellow flags last weekend.
"It's about a world championship, so we demand equal treatment," Marko insists.
"It has nothing to do with harshness, but we will certainly not bow to Mercedes."
He said he doubts Ferrari can join that title fight.
"If you look at the fact that all the Ferrari teams have slowed down by between eight tenths and one second, you can draw a clear conclusion," said Marko.
"They're usually strong enough to work their way out of it, but you really can't make up that big a deficit in one season."
Finally, Marko was asked about the fact that while Alex Albon kneeled on the grid in Austria last weekend, Verstappen chose to keep standing.
"We left it up to the drivers," he explained of the gesture organised by Lewis Hamilton. "Our view is that we should not mix in too much politics with a sporting event."
As for whether Verstappen contributed to F1 appearing to be politically divided rather than unified, Marko said: "I can't force anyone to make a symbolic gesture by coercion.
"But just because someone doesn't kneel is far away from someone being a racist."
Norris determined to race through chest pain
© Reuters
Lando Norris says he is yet to get to the bottom of his painful weekend in Austria.
A week ago, the McLaren driver was on top of the world with his maiden podium. But this week at the Red Bull Ring, he is suffering from chest pain at the wheel.
"It's a little better today, but not much better," he said after qualifying sixth in the rain compared to his teammate Carlos Sainz's third.
"I've spoken to a lot of people and no one knows what the problem is," Norris is quoted by motorsport-magazin.com.
"We did everything possible with pain relievers to make it better. But in the dry tomorrow it will be a bigger problem for sure."
It is believed Mercedes reserve Stoffel Vandoorne was put on standby in case Norris could not drive, but the 20-year-old insists he will grit his teeth through the pain.
"Not many young guys have the opportunity to drive in Formula 1," said team boss Andreas Seidl. "With a few painkillers, Lando will be able to cope."
More transfer news from Formula 1:
Russia wants full grandstands for Sochi race
Sochi race organiser Alexey Titov is hoping the grandstands are full when Russia welcomes Formula 1 in September. Read more.
Vettel denies preparing retirement announcement
Sebastian Vettel has denied he is preparing to announce his retirement from Formula 1. Read more.
F1 may scrap next week's Hungarian GP
A dark cloud has suddenly moved above next weekend's scheduled race in Hungary. Read more.
Alonso tells Renault to focus on 2022
Fernando Alonso is telling Renault to focus the hardest on the 2022 season, team boss Cyril Abiteboul has revealed. Read more.
Hockenheim, Imola, hope to host F1 races in 2020
The bosses of two European F1 circuits are hoping to be the next to be added to the sport's 2020 'corona calendar'. Read more.
Verstappen can beat Hamilton on Sunday - Wolff
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on Saturday set themselves apart from the rest of the Formula 1 field in Austria's rain, according to Ralf Schumacher. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton clinches pole for Styrian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton finished a staggering 1.2 seconds faster than Max Verstappen. Read more.
Storm could see Styrian Grand Prix qualifying moved to Sunday morning
Qualifying is due to place at 3pm local time, but it will be called off if conditions do not improve. Read more.
Official says US GP 'in serious jeopardy'
US GP official Bobby Epstein has admitted the Austin race is likely to be called off for 2020. Read more.
F1 coronavirus measures 'a bit strange' - Coulthard
Former F1 driver turned highly respected broadcaster David Coulthard says the 'ghost race' measures in Austria "seem a bit strange to me". Read more.
Aston Martin to 'think about' Vettel for 2021
Racing Point - to be Aston Martin next year - appears to be Sebastian Vettel's last hope of remaining in Formula 1 in 2021. Read more.
Kubica not hoping for Giovinazzi to replace Vettel
Robert Kubica smiled on Friday when asked if he is hoping to race Alfa Romeo's 2020 car later this season. Read more.
Sochi plans to welcome spectators to September race
Sochi could be the first race of 2020 that is watched trackside by spectators. Read more.
'Bottas 3.0' gets better every year - Wolff
Valtteri Bottas has taken another step forward, according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Read more.
Rain may force cancellation of qualifying - Masi
Eyes are turning to the skies above the Red Bull Ring, with qualifying likely to be affected by heavy rain. Read more.
