Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, September 23.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
F1 tipped to stop Hamilton podium activism
© Reuters
F1 will have clamped down on drivers making overtly political statements on the podium, according to former driver Vitaly Petrov.
The Russian was referring to Mugello, where Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt calling on American police accused of shooting a woman during a raid to be arrested.
Six-time world champion Hamilton has been wearing a 'Black Lives Matter' t-shirt on the grid all season to date, but that may be interpreted as a statement rather than an endorsement of the controversial political movement.
Mugello was the first time he took an overtly political statement onto the podium and post-race interviews.
"For me, this t-shirt, on top of calling for everyone to kneel, was too much," Petrov told Championat.
"It is a personal matter for every adult. You have the right to speak out on social media or give interviews, but I think the US government is well aware of these problems already.
"But to call on that in Formula 1 itself ... I think half of the spectators didn't even know what the shirt was about until it was explained to them," he added.
"And let's say a driver admits to being gay - will they come out with a rainbow flag and urge everyone to become gay as well? I think the FIA will no longer allow such behaviours," said Petrov.
Petrov also said Russians - including Daniil Kvyat - do not kneel for any reason except "before God and to propose to your future wife".
"In Russia we have a different mentality, and we do not have the problems that Hamilton is talking about. There should be respect for everyone," he said.
No 'quantum leaps' for Aston Martin in 2021 - Vettel
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel says he is not expecting "quantum leaps" as he joins Aston Martin for 2021.
Many see the quadruple world champion's 2021 move, having been ousted by Ferrari, as a masterstroke.
Racing Point is securing a champion driver as it rebrands, and Vettel moves to a team that is backed not only by billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll, but also by minor Aston Martin shareholder Toto Wolff.
Vettel, 33, told Sport Bild that he is happy with his decision.
"Transparency and openness were what mattered to me - that it was clearly stated what is possible and what is not," he said.
"It takes ambition and it takes goals, and the goals that Lawrence Stroll has are aligned with mine. This connects us. He has a clear idea of ??what he wants to achieve, and I was very impressed with that.
"But it is clear that there will not be quantum leaps right away."
For now, though, the German says he is being patient.
"I am not yet involved with Racing Point or taking part in any meetings to plan the new car," he said. "I'm not even allowed to do that - I'm still an employee of Ferrari."
Similar to the path of his mentor and countryman Michael Schumacher, Vettel succeeded initially with Red Bull (Schumacher with Benetton), switched to Ferrari, and is now helping to build up a new top team (Schumacher with Mercedes).
Vettel doesn't like the comparison.
"I don't think comparisons like that help," he said. "You can't compare my situation with Michael's back then.
"Firstly, it was a different time. Secondly, it is a different team with different requirements.
"But most importantly, Michael was a different age when he came to Mercedes, and before that he had taken a three year break. I'm in the middle of it all and just changing teams," said Vettel.
More news from Formula 1:
Magnussen names contenders for his Haas seat
Kevin Magnussen has named the leading candidates who could take his Haas seat away for 2021. Read more.
Commentator tips one more contract for Raikkonen
Kimi Raikkonen is the second best Ferrari-powered driver in Formula 1 this year, according to a broadcaster. Read more.
Gasly could become F1 champion - Tost
Pierre Gasly is a future world champion and almost as good as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Read more.
Stefano Domenicali 'set to be named new boss of Formula One'
He will take on the role when chief executive Chase Carey steps down from his position at the end of the year. Read more.
Renault 'prepared' to handle Alonso - Abiteboul
The 'party mode' ban did not alter the team hierarchy in Formula 1, according to Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul. Read more.
Renault 'talking' to potential F1 customers
Renault is looking for another potential engine partner, boss Cyril Abiteboul has revealed. Read more.
F1 putting 'corona era' in the past
F1 is beginning to put its 'corona era' in the past, as spectators rush to buy tickets for forthcoming races. Read more.
