Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Sunday, September 27.
Sunday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Better teammates could have pushed Hamilton - Alonso
© Reuters
Lewis Hamilton has benefitted from not having better teammates in past seasons, according to Fernando Alonso.
This weekend, Mercedes' Hamilton - who is also cruising towards an equal-record setting seventh title this season - is expected to match Michael Schumacher's all-time race win tally of 91.
Schumacher himself is still recovering from brain injuries sustained in late 2013, but his Formula 2 series-leading son Mick is at Sochi.
"My father always said that records are there to be broken," the 21-year-old said. "So if Lewis goes past it here, he will be happy.
"Lewis has done great things for Formula 1 as he has been at the top for years so I think it's a good thing for the sport.
"Breaking records is a goal for everyone in this sport, and both my father and Lewis influenced this sport at the highest level. Hopefully it's my turn next," the young German, who is linked with a 2021 Alfa Romeo seat, smiled.
"If I am able to go into Formula 1, I would try with all of my heart to break that record too."
Also happy for Hamilton is Alonso, who spent a fraught 2007 season as the then British rookie's teammate at McLaren.
But when asked about Hamilton matching Schumacher's records, Alonso told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "He has been lucky for the unbeatable package that he has.
"He is very, very strong and a superior talent, but he was also in the right place at the right time.
"I think if he had Verstappen or Leclerc - or Alonso - as a teammate, who knows? After all, he struggled more with Button and with Rosberg," Alonso added.
Wolff not ruling out Hamilton-Red Bull deal
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Toto Wolff is refusing to rule out a scenario in which Lewis Hamilton decides to leave Mercedes at the end of the season.
Eddie Jordan, who is also predicting that Ineos will buy the works Mercedes team, claimed last week that Hamilton should team up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
"I wondered what Eddie had been drinking," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner when asked about that.
"Look, from a fan's perspective he's absolutely right, but I've not heard from Lewis recently, so I can only imagine he's staying where he is."
Wolff, however, repeatedly insists that he is yet to "sit down" with Hamilton to discuss extending the six-time world champion's contract.
"Never say never," he said when asked about Jordan's prediction. "I've seen crazier things in my life.
"But I don't see why Lewis would do that," Wolff added. "He has a very strong personal bond with the Mercedes brand and the team that he helped to create.
"At the moment we are giving him the best car and we have mutual trust in each other. We still have successful times ahead of us.
"I do not believe such a move for him would be rationally understandable."
More news from Formula 1:
Binotto admits Ferrari vetoed Wolff as F1 CEO
Stefano Domenicali will be a bulwark against "artificial" measures creeping into Formula 1. Read more.
Putin, Ecclestone not attending Russian GP
Vladimir Putin is not planning to attend Sunday's Russian GP. 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.
Hermann Tilke could not attend Russian GP
Hermann Tilke has become a third high-profile expected attendee who is in fact not present at the Russian GP this weekend. 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.
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.
Lewis Hamilton fastest in last practice for Russian Grand Prix
The six-time world champion could match Michael Schumacher's victory record of 91 on Sunday. Read more.
Raikkonen denies extending Alfa Romeo contract
Kimi Raikkonen has denied reports that he has extended his stay at Alfa Romeo into 2021. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton secures pole position at Russian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton will join Michael Schumacher with the most number of victories in Formula One history should he triumph for a 91st time on Sunday. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton admits to nerves before securing pole for Russian Grand Prix
The British driver will start at the front of the grid in Sochi. 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.
Kvyat fends off Tsunoda 'rumours'
Daniil Kvyat says he is not bothered by "rumours" that a Japanese Formula 2 driver is set to replace him at Alpha Tauri for 2020. Read more.
