Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, January 28.
Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Brawn denies stepping down as F1 boss
© Reuters
Ross Brawn has rubbished reports that he may be stepping down as Formula 1's managing director.
Some had predicted that Brawn would follow hot on the heels of the departure of F1 CEO Chase Carey, who has now been replaced at Liberty Media by Stefano Domenicali.
"I have no idea where the rumours came from," Brawn told the Dutch publication racingnews365.
"But no, I am really looking forward to the new challenges that await us at the moment. It would have been frustrating not to be able to see the new cars," he added, referring to the sweeping new regulations for 2022.
"The challenges posed by the coronavirus also continue to motivate me to continue. There will come a time when I will stop, but I have no plans for that yet," he added.
Brawn admitted he would work closely with Domenicali, but denied that their past relationship at Ferrari is any indication of potential bias.
"I'm trying to do what's right for Formula 1," he insisted.
"Sometimes that's in favour of Ferrari, sometimes in favour of Mercedes, sometimes not at all. It doesn't affect the decisions we make. We are professional enough to be able to put that past aside."
Brawn also played down reports that F1 teams on Monday voted down Red Bull's proposal of an engine development freeze.
"I don't think there was a vote planned," he insisted. "Sorry for the misunderstanding, but as ever in Formula 1, there is always plenty to discuss."
Bottas has 'no chance' of beating Hamilton - Berger
© Reuters
Valtteri Bottas has "no chance" of beating seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
That is the view of F1 legend Gerhard Berger - even though Hamilton is yet to even sign a new contract for the forthcoming world championship.
However, Finn Bottas declared this week that, notwithstanding the unknown identity of his 2021 teammate, "my goal is to beat" the other Mercedes driver.
"In addition to his insane speed and extreme talent, Lewis now has a lot of experience," Berger told f1-insider.com.
"Valtteri Bottas is not exactly slow, but in the end he and most of the others would have no chance against Hamilton," he added.
Berger now runs the German touring car series DTM, which has undergone a major technical shake-up for the new season.
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has even expressed interest in a seat, insisting that "next to Formula 1, it is the most attractive racing series for a driver".
Berger responded: "Jacques would fit perfectly into our concept. In the end, however, it is a question of finance. Everyone is working to find sponsors."
More news from Formula 1:
'Goal' is to catch and beat Verstappen - Perez
It is too soon to say if Sergio Perez will still be Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammate in 2022. Read more.
Ferrari 'not properly organised' - Montezemolo
Luca di Montezemolo has hit out at a Ferrari team he says is "not properly organised". Read more.
Early start for 2022 not possible - Binotto
Ferrari has denied that the 2022 regulations are a perfect opportunity to 'do a Mercedes' and set up a new period of dominance for the future. Read more.
Sainz 'doesn't need my advice' - Leclerc
Charles Leclerc says his new Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz "does not need any advice". Read more.
New Barcelona corner is 'faster' - de la Rosa
The newly revised turn 10 at the Spanish GP venue in Barcelona will be "faster", according to former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa. Read more.
Indycar team would 'love' Grosjean for 2021
Indycar team owner Dale Coyne has confirmed speculation that Romain Grosjean is in the running for a 2021 seat. Read more.
Too early to accept Dutch GP 'ghost race' - Lammers
Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers says it is too early to say September's scheduled event at Zandvoort will have to proceed without spectators. Read more.
Renault using F1 for its media power - de Meo
Renault is using the Alpine brand in Formula 1 for "media" purposes - not for the development of technology. Read more.
