Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, August 10.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
'Sources' say Daimler unhappy with Wolff
© Reuters
Toto Wolff's relationship with Daimler could be souring, according to the respected Dutch publication nu.nl.
Firstly, the Mercedes team boss is at the centre of the 'pink Mercedes' car copying scandal, with five teams already siding against Wolff's support for Racing Point.
"It's a small revolution. Small in every way," Wolff was quoted as saying.
"I guess they're just annoyed that they cannot match Racing Point's performance."
Even the small team Haas is annoyed with Wolff. In defending Racing Point's actions, Wolff had alleged that the American team "got the entire car from Ferrari" when it entered F1.
Haas boss Gunther Steiner called that accusation "nonsense".
"We only ever used what we could legally buy," he said. "I think that's his guilty conscience speaking.
"It seems to me that Toto has his back to the wall, so he's trying to distract with other things."
Indeed, nu.nl correspondent Patrick Moeke says that while Mercedes parent Daimler "expresses confidence in Wolff to the outside", there is actually "dissatisfaction within the company" about the Austrian.
The claim, backed by "several sources close to Mercedes", is that Daimler does not appreciate some of Wolff's other activities.
One of them might be buying into Lawrence Stroll's new Aston Martin project. Wolff and Daimler are currently in talks about the 48-year-old's contract beyond 2020.
Olav Mol, the F1 commentator for Dutch television Ziggo Sport, says Wolff and new Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius do not particularly get along.
"But something like that will only become a real problem if the results start to disappoint," he said.
2021 a 'fresh new beginning' for Vettel - Heidfeld
© Reuters
Big questions are being asked about Sebastian Vettel's obvious decline at Ferrari.
With Vettel to be ousted at the end of the year, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton wonders if Ferrari has stopped supporting the quadruple world champion altogether.
"I don't think they're doing much to make Sebastian shine at the moment," he said.
Tyres are an issue this weekend at Silverstone, with Hamilton saying he will take it easy in Sunday's race "as they will probably explode".
But tyres alone do not explain Vettel's now consistent several-tenths gap to Charles Leclerc.
"No matter what I try, it feels like I'm pushing against a wall," the 33-year-old told German media.
Former driver Christian Danner suspects something is afoot.
"A Vettel is not three or four tenths slower than a Leclerc," he told RTL.
Another ex-driver, Ralf Schumacher, agreed: "Sebastian is not half a second slower than any teammate.
"It is very clear: his Ferrari does not go faster," he told Sky Deutschland.
Even Vettel is confused.
"Why was I clearly faster than my teammate in Spielberg 2 and Hungary, and then at Silverstone I don't recognise the car anymore?" he wondered.
Danner added: "If I was Ferrari, I would have changed the chassis long ago."
Nick Heidfeld, another former F1 driver, thinks the timing of Vettel's departure and his expected move to Aston Martin for 2021 could not be better.
"Especially if his future team gets better results than Ferrari, it's a blessing," he told Bild newspaper.
"It's also a blessing not to have to bear all the pressure of Ferrari's inadequate performance. He will breathe freely again and have a fresh new beginning."
More news from Formula 1:
Ferrari slammed for joining 'pink Mercedes' protest
Dutch commentator Olav Mol has lashed out at Ferrari for daring to lodge a protest against Racing Point's 'pink Mercedes'. Read more.
Shwartzman 'better than Mick Schumacher' - Lehto
There are doubts about whether Mick Schumacher can take the final step to Formula 1. Read more.
Hulkenberg hailed, but Perez likely to return
Nico Hulkenberg deserves a full-time return to Formula 1. Read more.
Leclerc, Hamilton self-criticism 'merciless' - Vasseur
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have something in common - the intensity of their self-criticism. Read more.
Vettel, Ferrari should split up now - Berger
Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel should split immediately. Read more.
Gasly 'pushing' for Red Bull return
Pierre Gasly has vowed to "seize the opportunity" if he sees a chance to return to Red Bull. Read more.
FIA open to tweaking 'radio coaching' rule
F1's governing body is open to tweaking a rule about radio communications. Read more.
Racing Point co-owner "appalled" by behaviour from rivals
Racing Point are much improved this season, with stand-in driver Nico Hulkenberg starting third for Sunday's race at Silverstone. Read more.
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff denies wrongdoing amid Racing Point row
Racing Point co-owner Lawrence Stroll believes his team's name has been dragged 'through the mud'. Read more.
Albon will be given 'more time' at Red Bull - Marko
Red Bull will continue to give Alex Albon "time" to get up to speed alongside Max Verstappen. Read more.
Magnussen wants 'new car' after Silverstone struggle
Kevin Magnussen thinks something is fundamentally wrong with his Haas car. Read more.
Result: Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win 70th Anniversary Grand Prix
The Dutchman took advantage as his Mercedes rivals endured tyre struggles. Read more.
Hamilton denies accusing Red Bull of cheating
Lewis Hamilton has denied insinuating that Red Bull under-inflated Max Verstappen's tyres for Sunday's race at Silverstone. Read more.
Drivers happy to race in corona hotspot Barcelona
Top Formula 1 drivers say they are not overly worried about travelling to Barcelona for this weekend's race. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton ready for Max Verstappen battle
Verstappen won at Silverstone on Sunday to close the gap. Read more.
Red Bull not joining 'pink Mercedes' appeal
Red Bull is not joining the five teams vowing to appeal the outcome of the 'pink Mercedes' protest. Read more.
Toto Wolff vows Mercedes will come back stronger after Silverstone defeat
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won on Sunday. Read more.
