Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, September 11.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Hamilton wants '£5 million more' for 2021 - Lehto
© Reuters
Lewis Hamilton is holding out for a 2021 pay-rise, according to a former Formula 1 driver.
As the 'silly season' continues to fire, it is notable that the most coveted seat on the grid - the one occupied by the six-time world champion - is officially open for 2021.
But it is clear that Mercedes wants to keep Hamilton.
"Maybe the time will come soon when we really have to talk," team boss Toto Wolff told Bild newspaper.
"But we both have no stress at all, even if that sounds strange to you all."
JJ Lehto, a former Benetton teammate to Michael Schumacher, says he has heard rumours that Hamilton is simply pushing for more money.
"Hamilton is asking for 5 million more," the Finn told Iltalehti newspaper. "He's playing that game at the moment."
But Lehto tips Hamilton to ultimately win.
"His seventh championship is coming, so who else is Mercedes going to take? Hamilton is also just so linked to Mercedes. He is the superstar who breaks all the records."
Alpha Tauri driver clarity in late October - Tost
© Reuters
Red Bull's driver situation for 2021 should be clearer by the next of next month.
That is the view of Franz Tost, the team boss at Red Bull's junior or secondary team Alpha Tauri.
With Dr Helmut Marko saying Monza winner Pierre Gasly will stay as Alpha Tauri's "team leader" in 2021, it also appears likely that Daniil Kvyat will lose his seat.
"Gasly is driving great, while Daniil had some setbacks with some mistakes on the part of the team," Tost insisted, according to Speed Week.
"His accident at Silverstone, for example, was the team's fault."
Tost also told Sport1: "It's all too early. Kvyat doesn't quite get along with the car yet, but that may change."
However, the Honda and Red Bull-championed F2 driver Yuki Tsunoda is shaping up as Kvyat's likely successor.
The 20-year-old Japanese has had a strong maiden campaign in 2020, so when asked what Tsunoda has to do to secure an Alpha Tauri seat, Tost answered: "Keep going!
"Tsunoda is doing a great job in his first F2 season, that's right. But it's actually very simple - those who go the fastest will get the cockpits at the end of the day."
The Austrian also clarified that it will not be him making the decision.
"There are only two people at Red Bull who decide on the drivers for our four cars, and they are Dietrich Mateschitz and Helmut Marko," Tost told Sport1.
"I think we'll know more by the end of October."
More news from Formula 1:
Sebastian Vettel says that he contemplated retirement before Racing Point move
The German will drive for the team currently known as Racing Point in 2021 after leaving Ferrari. Read more.
No Friday practice at Mugello for Schumacher
Mick Schumacher's entourage has denied reports that the young German will make his F1 race weekend debut at Mugello. Read more.
Backmarkers against 2021 'reverse grid' proposal
Williams' two drivers are no supporters of moves to introduce 'reverse grid' racing in Formula 1 next year. Read more.
Sebastian Vettel to drive for Racing Point next season
The German will race next season with the British-based team, who are to be rebranded as Aston Martin. Read more.
Ferrari 'deserve' current situation - Vettel
Things can "only get better" for Ferrari, according to the famous and crisis-struck Italian team's boss Mattia Binotto. Read more.
Vettel can still win 'races and titles' - Tost
Sebastian Vettel is still capable of winning races and titles in Formula 1 after his Ferrari tenure ends in 2020, according to his former boss Franz Tost. Read more.
Steiner admits Perez joins Haas' 2021 shortlist
Another driver's name has been added to the short-list at Haas for 2021. Read more.
Vettel would have won in 2020 Racing Point - Berger
F1 legend Gerhard Berger says Racing Point bosses have made the right decision to replace Sergio Perez with Ferrari refugee Sebastian Vettel for 2021 and beyond. Read more.
Vettel should have taken 2021 sabbatical - Kolles
Former F1 team boss Colin Kolles thinks Sebastian Vettel should have taken a sabbatical in 2021 rather than sign up with Aston Martin. Read more.
