Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, July 9.
Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
F1 dream has 'no plan B' - Mick Schumacher
© Reuters
Mick Schumacher says he has "no plan B" in the event that his Formula 1 dream fades.
The burgeoning career of Michael Schumacher's son has been on the rise for the past several years, but he is now facing a crucial second season in Formula 2.
When asked by Playboy about what would happen if his Formula 1 aspirations fade, the 21-year-old said: "There is no plan B, and there never was.
"If you have a plan B, you aren't really pursuing your plan A," the German added.
Schumacher drove several F1 cars in the past couple of seasons, including the up-to-date Ferrari and Alfa Romeos as part of Ferrari's junior program.
But those opportunities appear to have dried up for now.
"Of course it would be great if I could do a few more laps," he said when asked about whether a Friday outing might be on the cards for 2021.
"But now there are far fewer options to drive on a Friday," Schumacher added, referring to the corona crisis.
Nonetheless, his Formula 1 dream remains alive for now.
"I remember I was 11 years old, sitting with my father in a racing truck at the kart track in Kerpen," Mick recalled. "He looked me in the eye and asked me: 'Are you serious about this'.
"I told him that nothing is more important than getting to Formula 1."
Without top seat, Vettel should retire - Berger
© Reuters
F1 legend Gerhard Berger thinks Sebastian Vettel should quit Formula 1 rather than switch to a midfield team.
With Fernando Alonso signed up at Renault, Ferrari refugee Vettel's only options for 2021 are a plum seat at Mercedes, or a move to a smaller team.
In Austria last weekend, Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius seemed to rule Vettel out of a works Mercedes seat by saying the team is happy with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.
"In theory I think both places are still free but they seem very happy with the way they are driving now and their success proves them right," Vettel, 33, told Servus TV this week when asked about Mercedes.
Rumours persist that Red Bull might be an option for 2021, but bosses Christian Horner say consistently that they are happy with Alex Albon as Max Verstappen's teammate.
However, Germany's Sport1 claims that both Marko and Red Bull mogul Dietrich Mateschitz would in fact "not stand in the way" of a return to Red Bull for the team's former quadruple champion.
Berger, who was Vettel's first team boss in the Toro Rosso days, told ran.de: "He shouldn't make the mistake of wanting to continue but ending up something in the middle.
"I wouldn't want that for Sebastian," said the former Ferrari driver.
In that scenario, Berger thinks the German would be better off retiring.
"I think he is strong enough to decide for himself with his four titles, many victories, no major injuries, good health and many memories to go home," said the 60-year-old.
Berger said he is disappointed that Vettel was not able to bring Ferrari back to the top as Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda managed in the past.
"I actually believed that with his German meticulousness, ambition and precision he could do the same thing, but unfortunately he was not able to," he said.
Berger said Vettel and Ferrari have "obviously drifted apart and it was time to separate".
More transfer news from Formula 1:
Kvyat explains why he refused to kneel
Daniil Kvyat has explained why he refused to kneel on the grid last weekend in Austria. Read more.
Verstappen's Honda engine being analysed in Japan
Red Bull is still waiting for the cause of Max Verstappen's retirement in Austria last Sunday to be confirmed. Read more.
No Friday sessions for Alonso in 2020
Fernando Alonso has played down suggestions he might make an appearance this year during a Friday practice session. Read more.
Alonso was sick for 'several weeks'
Fernando Alonso has revealed that, amid the coronavirus pandemic, he suffered "for several weeks" with a mystery illness. Read more.
Alonso admits he will not win in 2021
Fernando Alonso admits he will not be able to win next year after returning to Formula 1 with Renault. Read more.
Fernando Alonso insists age does not matter in Formula 1
Fernando Alonso could be the oldest driver on the grid if 40-year-old Kimi Raikkonen calls time on his career. Read more.
A look at Fernando Alonso's F1 highs and lows
The Spaniard will return to Formula One with Renault next season. Read more.
Renault confirm Fernando Alonso's signature for 2021
The Spaniard has been out of the sport for 18 months. Read more.
Webber suggests Vettel should quit Ferrari in 2020
Mark Webber thinks it could be "better" if his former teammate Sebastian Vettel quits Ferrari before the end of the current season. Read more.
New Renault CEO approves Alonso contract - report
Multiple authoritative media sources are now reporting that Fernando Alonso will definitely return to Formula 1 with Renault in 2021. Read more.
Red Bull looking into 'more extreme' DAS system
Red Bull is looking into designing a "more extreme solution" now that the FIA has declared Mercedes' innovative DAS steering system fully legal. Read more.
Red Bull enters world of F1 broadcasting
Red Bull has now entered the world of Formula 1 broadcasting. Read more.
