Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, August 14.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
'Brutal' quarantine awaits for Alfa Romeo staff
© Reuters
The forthcoming schedule for Alfa Romeo's staff will be "brutal", according to team manager Beat Zehnder.
While the sport's UK-based teams have been given a quarantine exemption, Swiss-based Alfa Romeo's staff will have to go into strict isolation after attending the Spanish GP in Barcelona.
"We have to go back to Switzerland before the next race in Belgium, and that means isolation," Zehnder told Blick newspaper.
"It's brutal for us, because Formula 1 has agreed with the English government that there will be an exception for the seven (UK-based) teams."
The situation means Alfa Romeo is having to negotiate a potential exemption with the separate jurisdictions of Switzerland.
"We have employees from eight cantons," Zehnder revealed. "Some are courteous, others are not.
"We have found a regulation for the employees from Zurich - these employees are allowed to come to the factory to work, but they have to go home immediately afterwards.
"In the end, I may have to organise a grocery service, as many of our people are single," he laughed.
"Hopefully we won't fall into the corona trap again after the races in Italy."
Zehnder said he hopes the situation will be improved for 2021.
"We can only hope that Formula 1 is a little more normal next year," he said. "And that we don't just race in Europe."
Vettel plays down Lawrence Stroll 'elbow bump'
© Reuters
Sergio Perez hopes he gets the all-clear to return to his Racing Point cockpit in Barcelona this weekend.
Nico Hulkenberg is once again on standby for the Mexican, who missed both races at Silverstone following a positive coronavirus test.
Perez said this week that he only ever had "mild symptoms" and is ready to return.
And if he does, he will surely face questions about his future.
Sebastian Vettel, tipped to replace him for 2021, was not only seen leaving Silverstone in Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer's Ferrari road car recently.
He was also captured giving a 'elbow bump' to team owner Lawrence Stroll.
"The simple act of greeting Lawrence Stroll or Christian Horner in the paddock suddenly becomes a huge story," France's Auto Hebdo quotes the quadruple world champion as saying.
"I also said goodbye to Toto Wolff," Vettel added. "I don't think greeting someone is the most impressive interaction you can possibly have."
Some believe Racing Point may actually opt to pair Vettel with Perez for the team's first season as Aston Martin next year.
But that would mean billionaire Stroll ousting his own son Lance.
"C'est la vie," Lance Stroll told Channel 4.
"There's a working relationship and there's a father-son relationship. If he cut me from the team, it would be no hard feelings - it's just business."
More news from Formula 1:
Ferrari has 'no clear leader' - Briatore
Flavio Briatore agrees with Bernie Ecclestone about Ferrari's lack of leadership. Read more.
Ferrari targeting 'second place' in 2021 - Binotto
Mattia Binotto says Ferrari's target for 2021 is second place. Read more.
Red Bull's Marko says Racing Point appeal 'important'
Although not formally joining the appeal, Red Bull supports the push to challenge the FIA's recent 'pink Mercedes' ruling. Read more.
New Barcelona boss wants F1 race to stay
The new president of the Spanish GP venue says she will do "everything in our power" to keep Formula 1 in Barcelona. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton not threatened by plans to 'slow him down'
The British driver believes the mooted rule change is a bid to bring the field closer together. Read more.
Paulo Pinheiro admits F1 deal 'only for 2020'
Circuit boss Paulo Pinheiro admits Formula 1's Portuguese stop in 2020 may be a one-off. Read more.
'All signs' point to Haas staying in F1 - Steiner
"All the signs" point to Gene Haas signing up to the 2021-2025 Concorde Agreement. Read more.
Sergio Perez given green light for Spanish Grand Prix following negative coronavirus test
The Mexican driver missed both the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix at Silverstone. Read more.
Red Bull eyeing pole at Spa after 'party mode' ban
A sudden and surprise rule change in Formula 1 is a "golden opportunity" for Red Bull. Read more.
Ecclestone scolds Stroll over 'pink Mercedes' affair
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has scolded Lawrence Stroll following his fellow billionaire's comments about the 'pink Mercedes' affair. Read more.
Perez, Vettel keep F1 driver market alight
Between Sergio Perez and Sebastian Vettel, the driver market in Formula 1 is enjoying a particularly exciting moment. Read more.
Alfa Romeo, Haas confirm Hulkenberg talks
After Nico Hulkenberg revealed talks with 'two teams' about 2021, the identity of those teams is now clear. Read more.
Ocon admits not yet back up to speed in F1
Esteban Ocon says he is still getting back up to speed in Formula 1. Read more.
Sergio Perez delighted to make F1 return following negative coronavirus test
The Mexican returns to the Racing Point cockpit for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. Read more.
Sainz would welcome Jerez back to F1
Adding Jerez to F1's 2020 'corona calendar' would be good news for Formula 1 and Spain. Read more.
