Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Saturday, July 18.
Saturday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Corona cases to have 'no impact' on Hungary GP
© Reuters
Two people have tested positive to Covid-19 in the Hungaroring paddock.
Before now, the only positive test was recorded in Australia in March, prompting the cancellation of the Melbourne season opener.
F1's governing body revealed on Friday that over the last week, 5000 corona tests were carried out on F1 personnel and "two people have tested positive".
They were "removed from operations and isolated".
No further details were given, but British newspapers claim they do not work for any F1 teams and were involved only with setting up in Hungary earlier this week.
"Their removal will have no impact on the racing this weekend," the Sun newspaper claims.
It comes amid a growing discontent in the paddock with the harsh anti-covid measures, including mechanics being confined either to the circuit or their hotels this weekend.
One mechanic claimed anonymously: "I'm the closest I've been to walking away. I'm about done with it. Missing my family and playing by the rules when the drivers and management go off home every week."
Hungary is the last race in an opening triple-header of races, with two more sets of triple-headers to fill the calendar through August and September.
And yet another triple header is expected to be announced by Formula 1 soon.
"It's hard to stay focused when there are three races in a row," Alpha Tauri driver Daniil Kvyat admitted to Match TV.
"But if you deal with the time between races well, you are able to get some rest."
Wolff ponders becoming Vettel's manager
© Reuters
Toto Wolff thinks he would "get along very well" if he were to become Sebastian Vettel's new manager.
Although Mercedes team boss, Wolff has also dabbled in the world of driver management, including his former promotion of Valtteri Bottas and now with Esteban Ocon.
Now, DPA news agency quotes Wolff as pondering supporting Ferrari refugee Vettel's next move.
The quadruple world champion famously has no manager, but mere months after Wolff bought into the new Aston Martin project, Vettel is suddenly a favourite to race for the team in 2021.
"If I was Sebastian's manager, we would certainly get along very well," Wolff said.
"But I'm not sure that I would do him any good. I am also not sure that the teams in question would be so happy to talk to me," he added.
Vettel told Sky Italia in Hungary that it is currently "50-50" as to whether he stays in Formula 1 beyond the end of the season.
"Either I stay in F1 or I do not," said the German.
"Right now I don't have a contract to sign, nor am I close to signing anything. It will not happen in the next few days."
Also in Hungary, Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer admitted that both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll have contracts for 2021, but added: "Watch this space, we'll see where we go.
"But our intention is never to not honour our contracts."
Jack Plooj, a commentator for Ziggo Sport, reports from Budapest: "Rumours are growing louder that Racing Point are discussing terminating with Lance Stroll and finding another team for him.
"The question is whether Lawrence Stroll will be a real businessman and kick his own son out of the team, but I believe this could really happen," he added.
More transfer news from Formula 1:
Sainz will not be pressured to kneel for racism
Carlos Sainz insists he will not be pressured to kneel for Black Lives Matter. Read more.
Ferrari's Binotto has 'support of my bosses'
Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto says he thinks he will keep his job. Read more.
Grosjean apologises for Haas future comments
Romain Grosjean has backtracked after saying Haas' future in Formula 1 is an "elephant in the room". Read more.
Red Bull went 'wrong way' with 2020 car - Doornbos
Red Bull went "the wrong way" with development of its 2020 car, according to former team driver Robert Doornbos. Read more.
Pink Mercedes 'positive' for F1 - Grosjean
Romain Grosjean says it might be "cool" for Haas to explore a 'pink Mercedes'-type solution in the future. Read more.
Formula One announces first two positive Covid-19 results
It is understood that the individuals were involved in setting up this week's race and are not employed by the 10 teams. Read more.
Sebastian Vettel quickest in second practice in Hungary
Lewis Hamilton topped the time sheets earlier in the day. Read more.
Mercedes play down potential Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel pairing
Vettel is leaving Ferrari at the end of the season. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton quickest in first practice in Hungary
Only the Racing Points were within a second of Lewis Hamilton's quickest time. Read more.
Doctors set to end Zanardi's coma
Doctors are beginning to bring Alex Zanardi out of his almost month-long artificial coma. Read more.
Haas drivers unsure about team's F1 future
Haas' race drivers have admitted they are not sure the small American team will still be on the grid in 2021. Read more.
Racing Point 'good interim solution' for Vettel - Marko
Signing up with Racing Point would be a "good interim solution" for Ferrari refugee Sebastian Vettel. Read more.
Red Bull 'must be at the front' in Hungary - Marko
Dr Helmut Marko insists Red Bull-Honda "have to be at the front" this weekend in Hungary. Read more.
Sainz denies regretting Ferrari move
Carlos Sainz insists he does not regret signing for Ferrari for 2021 and beyond. Read more.
Russell staying at Williams 'good for team' - Bottas
Valtteri Bottas on Thursday admitted he is in talks with Mercedes about a new contract. Read more.
No ruling on 'pink Mercedes' protest in Hungary
There will be no news in Hungary this weekend about Renault's protest against the 'pink Mercedes' fielded by Racing Point. Read more.
'Normal' to have talks with Aston Martin - Vettel
Sebastian Vettel has admitted he is having talks with Racing Point about potentially joining the new Aston Martin project for 2021. Read more.
Extra pressure on Albon 'nothing new'
Alex Albon insists he is used to the rising pressure in Formula 1. Read more.
F1 legends hit back at Hamilton's racial activism
Two Formula 1 legends have questioned Lewis Hamilton's recent racial activism. Read more.
