Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, August 17.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Vettel to sign Aston Martin deal at Spa - report
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel will sign a multi-year contract at the next race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Citing sources, Kronen Zeitung newspaper claims that despite the most recent speculation to the contrary, the German will be an Aston Martin driver from 2021.
However, speculation continues to swirl around the more immediate future of the struggling Ferrari driver.
Vettel is notably struggling not only to drive his 2020 car, but his relationship with the Maranello team has also clearly failed.
During qualifying, and despite at least 20 messages from his engineer, the quadruple world champion said nothing at all on the radio in Barcelona.
It has sparked speculation that Kimi Raikkonen or Nico Hulkenberg are being lined up to immediately replace the 33-year-old.
"No, absolutely not," Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
"Regardless of the choices we have made about the future, he is part of the Ferrari family and we trust him as a driver and as a person.
"That's why we would never make such a decision."
Ferrari changed Vettel's chassis after Silverstone, but there have even been claims that the Italian team is deliberately sabotaging him in order to make Charles Leclerc look better.
"My answer to that is very simple: that is completely wrong," Binotto insisted.
"First of all, we need Sebastian and his talent. We need him for our success. So exactly the opposite is the case," said the Italian.
"We are helping him wherever we can. We stand by Sebastian, just as he stands by Ferrari and our whole team. Together, we will try to find out what's going on with his performance at the moment."
F1 to announce four more races next week
© Reuters
Formula 1 is preparing to add another four races to the 2020 'corona calendar'.
In addition to the 13 already-scheduled or contested rounds, F1 CEO Chase Carey says he is targeting up to 18 grands prix overall.
According to sources, F1 will announce four new ones next week, including two in Bahrain and an Abu Dhabi finale.
The surprise ring-in, however, is the former Turkish GP venue in Istanbul in mid-November.
When asked about that, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: "The last time I was in Turkey was ten years ago, and I remember the incredible sight of the famous turn 8 with a triple apex."
Wolff cautioned that the news is not official.
Red Bull's Alex Albon was also asked about the strong rumour, and he said: "That's great.
"I don't know if it's a coincidence or whether they are choosing them specifically, but we are talking about real race tracks.
"Mugello, Imola, Istanbul - they're the best layouts in the world and we get to race there. I'm all for it," he enthused.
More news from Formula 1:
Bottas called Rosberg for Hamilton-beating advice
The only way to beat Lewis Hamilton is to "get inside his head". Read more.
Wolff to withdraw as F1 team 'mediator'
Toto Wolff says he may no longer volunteer to act as a "mediator" between rival Formula 1 teams in future. Read more.
Party mode ban 'very important' for Red Bull - Marko
Pole position will be possible for Red Bull once the FIA bans 'party mode' engine settings. Read more.
F1 is 'next logical step' for Schumacher - Binotto
"The next logical step" for Mick Schumacher is a Formula 1 seat. Read more.
Pre-Belgian GP quarantine 'not easy' for Alfa Romeo
Frederic Vasseur has confirmed that Alfa Romeo staff will need to go into strict quarantine after Sunday's Spanish GP. Read more.
Toto Wolff: 'Anti-racism drive motivating Lewis Hamilton to become greatest of all time'
.Hamilton has taken a knee before every race this season. Read more.
Hamilton says Wolff not key to contract decision
Lewis Hamilton says Toto Wolff's next career move will not influence his decision about whether to sign a new deal with Mercedes for 2021 and beyond. Read more.
Result: Lewis Hamilton extends championship lead with dominant display at Spanish Grand Prix
The Mercedes driver led from start to finish. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton: 'Breaking Micheal Schumacher record is beyond my dreams'
The Briton broke Michael Schumacher's podium record through another win in Spain on Sunday. Read more.
Pirelli did not request downforce cut for 2021
Pirelli did not request a further reduction in downforce for 2021 in response to the tyre problems seen at Silverstone. Read more.
FIA pushing ahead with 'party mode' ban
The FIA is pressing ahead with reported plans to ban so-called 'party mode' engine settings ahead of the next race at Spa-Francorchamps. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton on Spanish Grand Prix victory: "I was in a different dimension"
The Mercedes driver finished 24 points clear to edge closer to Michael Schumacher's world championship record. Read more.
Vettel disappointed to be leaving Ferrari - Binotto
Mattia Binotto has continued to play down the obviously fractured relationship between Ferrari and departing former number 1 Sebastian Vettel. Read more.
Grosjean slams 'worst car I have ever driven'
Romain Grosjean says he endured "one of the worst races of my career" in Barcelona on Sunday. Read more.
'Engineer' Binotto should not be Ferrari boss - Kolles
Former F1 team boss Colin Kolles does not think Mattia Binotto can steer Ferrari out of crisis and back to producing world championship-winning cars. Read more.
Verstappen plays down 2020 title chances
Max Verstappen does not agree with his boss that he is still a major contender for the 2020 title. Read more.
Ferrari has not 'abandoned' 2020 car - Binotto
Mattia Binotto insists that Ferrari has not "abandoned" development of its 2020 car. Read more.
