Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, November 16.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Binotto set to also sit out Bahrain races
© Reuters
Mattia Binotto says he is pleased that his experiment of sitting out a grand prix at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters over the weekend was a success.
For the first time since becoming team boss, the Italian did not travel to the race location at the weekend.
Ultimately, Istanbul turned out to be Sebastian Vettel's first podium of the season, while Charles Leclerc only lost that place in a late race error.
"Maybe they can leave Mattia at home more often? I'm joking obviously," German Vettel, who will leave Ferrari after next month's Abu Dhabi finale, laughed.
Binotto had explained his planned absence in Turkey on the basis that Ferrari is now fully focused on 2021.
"In general we saw a competitive Ferrari on Friday, Saturday morning and today, and this is the most important point of the weekend," he told Sky Italia on Sunday from Maranello.
"In the last few races the car has proved to be more competitive than at the start of the season, proving that we have taken the right direction of development.
"We are focusing on 2021, but these are encouraging signs," the Italian added.
"So if you ask if I am sorry for not being at the track, no," Binotto insisted. "I have to be present especially in difficult moments so I decided not to go to Turkey because the car was already improving with a few races left.
"These results are welcome so now maybe I will not go to Bahrain either."
Vettel, meanwhile, dismissed any suggestion that his renowned superstitious nature could mean he wants Binotto to keep staying away for that reason alone.
"I don't believe in things like that at all," the four-time world champion insisted.
"We have so many people who do so many different things in a weekend, and ultimately that is what the picture of an entire weekend is made of."
'No criticism' of Stroll after Turkey pole - Villeneuve
© Reuters
Jacques Villeneuve has a rare compliment for his countryman Lance Stroll after the Turkish GP.
Although Stroll finished ninth on Sunday, he actually commandingly led the race after powering to his first-ever pole position on super-slippery Saturday.
1997 world champion and fellow French Canadian Villeneuve is a regular critic of Stroll's, insisting he is in F1 only because of his father's money.
But he said of the 22-year-old's pole: "It was an exceptional lap.
"Unlike several other drivers, he did not make any mistakes and took advantage in particular of Max Verstappen's hesitancy on his last attempt.
"Really, this time, I have nothing to criticise him about," Villeneuve insisted.
"It wasn't luck - he drove well. Several drivers used the same strategy, opting for intermediate tyres at the end of the session. He just did a better job."
In fact, 49-year-old Villeneuve said Stroll often takes advantage of situations such as the difficult track conditions seen last weekend in Turkey.
"He was brilliant in qualifying at Monza in 2017, and also Baku when he was on the podium. He obviously feels good when the conditions are difficult," he said.
On the other hand, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos said Max Verstappen's performance at Istanbul was "one of his worst in a Formula 1 car".
"I don't think he was able to get over what happened in qualifying," he told Ziggo Sport.
Even Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko had some rare criticism for Dutchman Verstappen.
"Both Max and Alex (Albon) demanded too much from their tyres, while experienced drivers like Lewis and Sergio (Perez) didn't," he told Sky Deutschland late on Sunday.
"Max saw that Stroll was driving away at the front and overtaking was almost impossible at the time, but he should have showed more patience behind Perez," Marko added.
Finally, Marko clarified that Red Bull will make a decision about Albon's future after the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
More news from Formula 1:
Nico Rosberg lavishes praise on Lewis Hamilton after seventh title
Lewis Hamilton has matched Michael Schumacher's haul of seven world titles. Read more.
Nico Rosberg lavishes praise on Lewis Hamilton for record-equalling success
The 2016 world champion says Lewis Hamilton's milestone is 'one of the greatest' in sport. Read more.
A look at Lewis Hamilton's rise from humble beginnings
Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher's record. Read more.
A look at Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher's seven triumphs
A look at the title successes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Read more.
Result: Lewis Hamilton wins Turkish Grand Prix to secure record-equalling seventh world title
The Briton claimed his 10th win from 14 rounds as he matched Michael Schumacher's title haul. Read more.
A look at some of Britain's all-time sporting greats, including Lewis Hamilton
The 35-year-old has matched Michael Schumacher's seven world titles Read more.
Lewis Hamilton struggles to hold back emotions after landing seventh title
The Briton equalled Michael Schumacher's all-time record with victory in the Turkish Grand Prix. Read more.
A look at Lewis Hamilton's career in pictures
Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher's record. Read more.
Magnussen not ruling out Haas reserve role, Indy 500
Kevin Magnussen is not ruling out staying in F1 as a reserve driver next year - but he is also keen on races like Le Mans and even the Indy 500. Read more.
Masi defends Turkey over track surface condition
F1 race director Michael Masi has defended organisers of the Turkish GP for the state of the Istanbul circuit's new asphalt surface. Read more.
Knighthood calls grow for 'Britain's greatest ever sportsman' Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton delivered the drive of drives to wrap up his sixth title in seven years. Read more.
Hamilton 'more expensive' with seventh title - Wolff
Toto Wolff is still not rushing to get new seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton under contract for 2021. Read more.
