Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, February 3.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Hamilton contract to be clear by March 2
© Reuters
Mercedes has announced that its "drivers" will be available to speak to the media at the launch of the 2021 car in "exactly one months' time".
The forthcoming March 2 event, announced by the title winning team on Tuesday, should therefore finally end the uncertainty about Lewis Hamilton's unsigned 2021 contract.
Mercedes said the reveal of the new car will involve "media opportunities with our key personnel and drivers on the day".
Hamilton, or confirmed 2021 team driver Valtteri Bottas, were not explicitly named in the press release.
"More information on those opportunities and a detailed plan of what assets will be available will be shared with the media before the event," the document added.
Mercedes' news on Tuesday coincided with the claim of the respected Japanese as-web.jp publication that Hamilton has now agreed a new two-year deal including details about salary and bonuses.
The report also said the seven time world champion will have veto power over the identity of his teammate. Bottas is already signed up for 2021 but George Russell is a leading candidate for 2022.
CEO Domenicali insists F1 not 'boring'
© Reuters
Stefano Domenicali is upbeat about the future of Formula 1, despite the ongoing covid crisis and claims the races are increasingly "boring".
"Boring races?" Italian broadcaster Rete4 quotes the sport's new F1 CEO as saying.
"I see the numbers and last year the audience was growing."
Domenicali, the former Ferrari and Lamborghini boss, says he is therefore looking forward to the start of the season in Bahrain - notwithstanding the fact that Australia was originally scheduled to host the first race.
"There is a great desire for Formula 1 - millions and millions follow it," Domenicali said.
"There is a desire for passion, characters, drivers who remain unique, mythological, capable of attracting people's interest," the Italian added.
However, some team bosses are now openly worrying that the 2021 season will be as disrupted as 2020 was, when the pandemic shook up the calendar and the usual working routines.
"It can be done," Domenicali said, when asked if Formula 1 can simply proceed even with coronavirus still raging.
"Last year was very good, with a championship carried out despite the difficulties with very intrusive but necessary procedures. The desire is to continue on this path," he explained.
"At the centre is the event, which must be unique and filled with interesting content."
More news from Formula 1:
Mercedes delay new car reveal with Lewis Hamilton's future uncertain
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's contract with the world champions expired on the final day of December. Read more.
Ferrari looking for Camilleri successor - Elkann
Ferrari is searching for "the best possible boss" for the future, according to the Maranello marque's president and temporary CEO John Elkann. Read more.
F1 'fears' about covid situation 'justified' - Wolff
"Fears" that Formula 1 will not be able to race through its currently-scheduled 2021 calendar "are justified". Read more.
Perez ready to shine for Red Bull - Grosjean
Romain Grosjean has tipped Sergio Perez to shine this year as he switches to Red Bull. Read more.
