Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Saturday, September 26.
Saturday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Briatore's ex-wife says Schumacher 'does not speak'
© Reuters
Michael Schumacher cannot speak, according to Flavio Briatore's former wife.
Briatore, who was the F1 legend's boss at Benetton, and Italian model and TV personality Elisabetta Gregoraci divorced in 2018.
Gregoraci is currently taking part in the Italian version of Big Brother.
When asked by a fellow housemate about the health condition of Schumacher, which is not known publicly, Gregoraci reportedly said: "He does not speak. He communicates with his eyes.
"Only three people can go and see him."
Gregoraci also claims that the Schumacher family has moved from Switzerland to Spain.
"They moved to Spain and his wife made a hospital in the house," she said.
Meanwhile, the San Raffaele hospital in Milan has announced that Alex Zanardi has "started to react" to visual and acoustic stimuli after another head and facial operation.
Haas boss plays down Renault switch rumours
© Reuters
Gunther Steiner has played down rumours Haas could be about to team up with Renault.
The speculation follows Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul admitting that potential team partners "are interested in talking to us again".
Haas' current technical partner, Ferrari, is notably struggling in 2020.
But boss Steiner said at Sochi: "We are not jumping ship at the first moment of difficulties. Gene (Haas) and I assume that Ferrari can solve its problems."
He also said switching to another technical partner would be a huge task.
"Our entire infrastructure with Dallara is in Italy," said Steiner. "If we were to work with Renault, we would have to move to England."
Another issue for Haas is its driver lineup for 2021. Both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen are admitting that they may even be forced to leave F1 altogether.
"The ovals in America scare me, but there are some interesting options in Europe," Grosjean said.
Magnussen added: "I am in the same situation as Romain."
There are rumours at Sochi that Haas has already signed a preliminary contract with Sergio Perez.
But Steiner said: "I do not doubt that Sergio is a great driver, but is he the best candidate in the long-term? I don't know yet."
Haas has plenty of other options, including becoming closer with Ferrari by signing a youngster like Robert Shwartzman or Callum Ilott. Steiner says a Friday practice session this season is even possible.
"Ferrari helped us this year when we got into trouble with coronavirus, so if they contact us with a request, I am ready for a discussion," he said.
More news from Formula 1:
F1 drivers wrote FIA letter after Mugello crash
F1 drivers sent a letter to the governing body after the recent race at Mugello. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton down in 19th in opening practice for Russian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton moved to within one of Michael Schumacher's 91 wins following his triumph in Mugello earlier this month. Read more.
F1 'most boring' category of racing - Alonso
Fernando Alonso claims Formula 1 is "the most boring" category in the world of motorsport. Read more.
Better teammates could have pushed Hamilton - Alonso
Lewis Hamilton has benefitted from not having better teammates in past seasons, according to Fernando Alonso. Read more.
Marko says 'goodbye' to Verstappen's title
Dr Helmut Marko has said a reluctant "goodbye" to Red Bull's 2020 world championship chances. Read more.
Binotto admits Ferrari vetoed Wolff as F1 CEO
Stefano Domenicali will be a bulwark against "artificial" measures creeping into Formula 1. Read more.
Verstappen hopes Honda stays in F1
Max Verstappen says he hopes Honda stays in Formula 1 beyond 2021. Read more.
Raikkonen quiet about next move in F1
Kimi Raikkonen is staying quiet about his next move in Formula 1. Read more.
Perez quiet amid Haas switch rumours
Racing Point will switch from pink to green as it becomes Aston Martin for 2021. Read more.
Formula One confirm former Ferrari chief Stefano Domenicali as new president
Stefano Domenicali will replace Chase Carey in January. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton shares "fondest memory" of Michael Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton can equal Michael Schumacher's win record with victory in Sochi. Read more.
Valtteri Bottas outshines Lewis Hamilton in practice for Russian Grand Prix
Hamilton is one win shy of a huge landmark. Read more.
Putin, Ecclestone not attending Russian GP
Vladimir Putin is not planning to attend Sunday's Russian GP. Read more.
Domenicali 'capable' of running F1 - Vettel
Sebastian Vettel says Stefano Domenicali is "more than capable" of becoming F1 supremo. Read more.
F1 to 'stop' political activism - Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton expects Formula 1 to try to stop him from repeating the kind of activism that he took onto the podium and official FIA press conference last time out at Mugello. Read more.
Kvyat plays down covid concerns at Sochi
Daniil Kvyat has played down concerns about the presence of spectators this weekend at Sochi. Read more.
2021 'negotiations' to begin soon - Kvyat
Daniil Kvyat says he is yet to discuss with his Red Bull bosses his place at Alpha Tauri for the 2021 season. Read more.
Alonso set to test Renault in 2020
Fernando Alonso will get behind the wheel in the coming months as he prepares to return to Formula 1 next year. Read more.
F1 rejects Liberty's reverse grid plans
Liberty Media is facing serious opposition to its plans to revive a proposal for reverse-grid qualifying sprint races for the 2021 season. Read more.
Verstappen, Newey staying at Red Bull - boss
There is no doubt that both Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey will still be at Red Bull in 2021. Read more.
Michael Schumacher's son: 'Father said records are there to be broken'
Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of equalling the German's proud record of 91 victories in Formula One. Read more.
Doubts emerge over Melbourne's 2021 GP
Big doubts have emerged about whether Melbourne will return to the F1 calendar in 2021. Read more.
