Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, July 30.
Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
2021 'token' system not fair on McLaren - Seidl
© Reuters
McLaren has added its concerns to the complex 'token' system that will govern car upgrades for 2021.
To cut costs amid the corona crisis, the teams will only be allowed to make minor modifications to limited areas of their 2020 cars for next season.
But we reported recently that Racing Point and Alpha Tauri have found a loophole, as their agreements to buy parts from Mercedes and Red Bull respectively permit upgrades without having to trade in the 'tokens'.
"That I believe would be unfair, because we've got only two tokens and everybody should be limited to that," said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.
Renault said it also has concerns about the "flaws" in the system.
McLaren, meanwhile, will have to use up all of its tokens simply to switch as planned from Renault to Mercedes power for 2021.
"We don't like it that customer teams get this free ticket to upgrade the gearbox and the suspension from 2019 to 2020 specification without having to use tokens," team boss Andreas Seidl is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.
"From the beginning we have pointed out to the FIA that this could be a problem. We were promised that it would all take place in a manageable way," he said.
Seidl continued: "Only now as we define the details is it becoming clear what loophole is opening up.
"In comparison with our situation, this is not fair as our engine change was contractually agreed before the crisis.
"We are discussing it with the FIA now," he said.
F1 'fully open' to Russian team - Brawn
© Reuters
Formula 1 is "fully open" to welcoming a new Russian team to the sport, according to sporting boss Ross Brawn.
Rumours about Russian interest have been circulating for some time, especially since last September, when trade minister Denis Manturov said a Russian team is "not far off".
Around the same time, SMP Bank founder Boris Rotenberg, who backs Sergey Sirotkin, said: "Do we want to create a Formula 1 team? I think the more teams there are, the more opportunities there will be for our drivers."
Brawn says he would be open to the idea of a Russian team, but only once the coronavirus crisis is behind Formula 1.
"We need a period of stability after this global pandemic and we also want to ensure the new rules settle down from 2022," he is quoted by RT.
"We have a great grid with ten exciting teams and it is not essential to increase this number. However, the new economic climate within Formula 1, budget caps and a more fairly distributed prize fund makes an investment in a Formula 1 team far more attractive," Brawn added.
"If there was interest from a Russian team or any other that we thought was sustainable then we would be fully open to exploring the opportunity."
More news from Formula 1:
Sainz, Leclerc to move to Maranello in 2021 - Elkann
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will move to Maranello next year, Ferrari chairman John Elkann has announced. Read more.
Glock 'sorry' Vettel's achievements being forgotten
Timo Glock says he feels "sorry" that quadruple world champion Sebastian Vettel's achievements are being diminished. Read more.
Wolff says talks with Mercedes 'on right track'
Toto Wolff says his talks with Daimler over his future at the top of Mercedes' works team are "on the right track". Read more.
Portimao to Imola logistics 'insane' - Zehnder
Imola's 2020 grand prix has been reduced to two days instead of three for logistical reasons. Read more.
Perez should replace Albon at Red Bull - van der Garde
A familiar face is returning to the F1 paddock to help Alex Albon get up to speed. Read more.
Wolff seeks answer to Mercedes' smoky 2020 engine
Mercedes wants to get to the bottom of a conspicuously smoky issue with its 2020 engine, according to team boss Toto Wolff. Read more.
Alonso back at Ferrari-era weight, fitness - physio
Fernando Alonso's weight and fitness is back at the same levels as when he was at his peak. Read more.
British Grand Prix: A look back at Lewis Hamilton's record six wins
The 35-year-old six-time world champion is eyeing a seventh career win at Silverstone on Sunday. Read more.
Haas 'should consider' dropping Ferrari - Watt
Haas is now battling among the slowest teams on the Formula 1 grid, driver Romain Grosjean has admitted. Read more.
'Green light' for Barcelona despite corona spike
Formula 1 still has a "green light" to race in Barcelona later this month. Read more.
Racing Point 'dangerous' at Silverstone - Marko
Dr Helmut Marko is expecting Racing Point's 'pink Mercedes' to be highly competitive over the next two race weekends at Silverstone. Read more.
US, Mexico support F1's decision to cancel races
Race organisers in Austin and Mexico say they accept Formula 1's decision to cancel their races for 2020. Read more.
Turkey GP venue says 2020 F1 race talks 'confidential'
Operators of the former F1 circuit in Turkey have admitted they are in a "confidentiality agreement" regarding talks about a 2020 race at Istanbul Park. Read more.
Brazil, Mexico may sue F1 over axe of 2020 races
F1 race promoters in Brazil and Mexico could sue Liberty Media over their cancelled 2020 races. Read more.
