Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, September 30.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Mick Schumacher not as good as his father - drivers
© Reuters
Two former F1 drivers do not believe Mick Schumacher is as talented as his famous father.
At Sochi, rumours began to gain even more steam that the Formula 2 series leader is poised to make his F1 debut with Alfa Romeo next year.
But that doesn't mean he's as good as seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, according to former F1 driver Marc Surer.
"He is not with his father in terms of talent, but he is very capable of improving and his ability to learn is incredible," he told AvD Motorsport Magazin.
Indeed, 21-year-old Schumacher often enters a new category like Formula 3 or Formula 2 and is not immediately competitive.
"Every time he went into a new category, he was cautious at the start, learned, and by the end of the season was good," Surer explained.
"That's exactly what he's doing again in Formula 2, and of course he is recommending himself for a Formula 1 contract."
Former Sauber driver Karl Wendlinger, who once raced in sports cars with Mick's legendary father, agrees.
"He's not necessarily like his father, who was always the fastest right from the beginning," he said.
"Mick seems to need a little more time, but he improves and by the second season at the latest - whether it's Formula 4, Formula 3 or now Formula 2 - he has the pace and he is successful."
Surer admits that the Schumacher name has helped to power Mick's rise through the junior ranks.
"It helps him, of course," said the Swiss. "But nobody in F1 will take him just because of the name. He has to have success as well and the past races show that he has what it takes."
Hamilton 'playing poker' with 2021 contract
© Reuters
Lewis Hamilton is "playing poker" over his next contract at Mercedes, according to a former driver.
Valtteri Bottas is already signed up to keep racing for the dominant team in 2021, but Hamilton is reportedly yet to even sit down for talks with Toto Wolff.
Some believe the six-time world champion and runaway 2020 points leader is holding out for a pay rise, while others think he is waiting to see if boss Wolff also signs up for next year and beyond.
"I like working with Lewis, and I think he likes working with me," Wolff admitted at Sochi.
"I think that together, including all the other 2000 staff, we can still achieve a lot.
"But if one of us decides to leave one day, then it will not affect Mercedes in any way - the team will continue to perform at the same level," said the team boss.
"Yes, if Lewis goes, we will lose the best driver, that's obvious," Wolff continued. "We all agree that we want to continue our cooperation."
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos said he believes Wolff is in the process of selling his stake in the Brackley and Brixworth-based team for $300 million.
"The question is whether he will stay after that," the Dutchman told Ziggo Sport. "It's possible that after selling his shares he will leave and join the new Aston Martin factory team."
Marc Surer, another former driver, thinks Hamilton is therefore waiting for now.
"He can afford to be playing poker. Who else are they going to take instead of him?" he told AvD Motorsport Magazin.
"The team depends on him so they have to wait for him. We saw that Verstappen has beaten Bottas a few times this year, but beating Hamilton is much more difficult.
"What that means is that Lewis doesn't need to hurry," Surer added.
Another former driver, Karl Wendlinger, agrees with that.
"I doubt he even has to think about it," he said when asked about Hamilton's forthcoming negotiations. "It will work out for him. He will stay with Mercedes because he knows he has the best package."
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton admits he may have got accusations over F1 bosses wrong
The six-time world champion felt the FIA were finding new ways to stop him from winning. Read more.
Verstappen has 'door open' to Mercedes move
Max Verstappen will be "keeping the door open" for a shock potential switch to Mercedes. Read more.
Michael Schumacher's son Mick Schumacher to make F1 debut at Nurburgring
Mick Schumacher, 21, will take part in opening practice for the Alfa Romeo team a week on Friday. Read more.
Hamilton must avoid further penalties - Wolff
Mercedes' two drivers must try to avoid penalties in the forthcoming races, according to team boss Toto Wolff. Read more.
Vasseur not confirming Raikkonen contract rumours
Frederic Vasseur has declined to say whether Kimi Raikkonen has already signed a contract to remain at Alfa Romeo in 2021. Read more.
Renault doing 'incredible job' in 2020 - Alonso
Fernando Alonso says Renault has "everything they need" to succeed in the future. Read more.
Domenicali knows F1 benefits from Schumacher debut
Mick Schumacher has the support of the Formula 1 organisation as he moves closer to his expected 2021 debut, according to a well-known F1 figure. Read more.
Mercedes at risk of 'complacency' - Horner
"Complacency" may be creeping in at dominant Mercedes, according to Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. 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.
Tuesday's sporting social: Keane viewing, Freddie thankful and 'human' Hamilton
The best of the day's social media posts from the sporting world. Read more.
