Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Sunday, December 13.
Sunday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Pole position an 'important signal' for 2021 - Marko
© Reuters
Red Bull's efforts to catch and beat Mercedes are now "bearing fruit".
That is the view of Dr Helmut Marko, who was speaking after Max Verstappen qualified on pole for the first time this season ahead of the 2020 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
On Thursday, Dutchman Verstappen had joked that the third-placed chair in the FIA press conference room "actually has my imprint" on it. However, that chair was actually occupied by seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton after qualifying.
Red Bull's Marko said: "We can win this race.
"Mercedes is strong, but it's time to win again. The pole is a good sign that our hard work is bearing fruit, which is an especially important signal for 2021."
Team boss Christian Horner revealed in Abu Dhabi that only 40 percent of next year's Red Bull is all-new.
"The basis is right," he said. "We have recognised the weaknesses and focused our attention on them. But that won't change the fact that Mercedes will also be extremely strong next year."
McLaren selling one third of team for $245m
© Reuters
McLaren is reportedly selling 33 percent of its famous Formula 1 team for some $245 million.
The team has declined to comment, but Sky News' highly respected City editor Mark Kleinman said the purchaser is a consortium of US-based investors called MSP Sports Capital who will spend the money over two years.
Under Zak Brown's leadership, which will reportedly continue despite the deal that could be announced on Sunday, McLaren has been open about its efforts to restructure its debts.
Brown said in Abu Dhabi that he is "very comfortable" about putting together a budget for 2021 big enough to hit the limits of the new $145 budget cap.
"We will have all the resources we need," he said.
"Our chairman is, as you know, restructuring the business. He is very experienced in that so everything is going according to plan. I am very comfortable and excited about our future."
However, that future will not involve Carlos Sainz, who says his full focus will switch to Ferrari as soon as he sees the chequered flag on Sunday.
"As soon as I see the flag, my racing spirit will turn to the next race which will be in March in a red car," the Spaniard told Canal Plus. "I will automatically switch to Ferrari mode."
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton "blown away" by Silverstone decision
It is the only part of the track to be named after a driver. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton admits he is not at 100% after recovering from coronavirus
Lewis Hamilton will line up from third on the grid after Max Verstappen claimed the first non-Mercedes pole of the year. Read more.
Result: Lewis Hamilton sixth as Max Verstappen tops final Abu Dhabi practice
Red Bull were out in front but Mercedes will hope to turn up the heat when qualifying begins at the Yas Marina circuit. Read more.
Result: Max Verstappen on pole in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton third
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will start in third, with his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas qualifying second. Read more.
