Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, February 8.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Doping sanctions for Mazepin unfair - Petrov
© Reuters
Vitaly Petrov has slammed the decision that will prevent F1 rookie Nikita Mazepin from racing under the Russian flag in 2021.
The Russian automobile federation has confirmed that the World Anti-Doping Agency's sanctions mean that every Russian competitor taking part in world championships for the next two years will have to do so as a 'neutral athlete'.
If Mazepin wins a race for Haas, the Russian anthem will also not be played.
"This is completely absurd," former F1 driver Petrov said.
"I think every athlete should be responsible only for his own actions. If he was doping and caught, only then should he be deprived of his privileges," he added.
"To me it is completely incomprehensible that Russian athletes who train honestly, put all their strength and their health into something and then they are forbidden to defend their flag or hear their anthem, are stopped by WADA.
"I am sure Russia will fight this because otherwise it would make no sense for our children to go into sports, wasting their time and energy to not have the opportunity to represent our country properly," Petrov said.
Audi eyeing F1 move for 2025 - report
Audi is reportedly eyeing a move into Formula 1, and according to a specialist media outlet, Red Bull's current partner Honda is already aware of the rumours.
Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims that, pending the 2022 development 'freeze', negotiations between Red Bull and Honda about a handover of the engine operations for 2022 are now positively concluded.
However: "The negotiations apparently did not go very smoothly," revealed respected correspondent Michael Schmidt.
"According to our information, Honda wanted to make sure that data and design details were not passed on to third parties or future engine partners," he said.
"Apparently, word got out as far as Tokyo that Audi is interested in a Formula 1 entry from 2025. A collaboration with Red Bull is obvious," added Schmidt.
More news from Formula 1:
Tost opposed to new customer Renault deal
Franz Tost has hinted that Red Bull's entire F1 project could be in jeopardy if the sport doesn't agree to an engine development 'freeze' for 2022. Read more.
Newey hits out at 2022 rules revolution
Adrian Newey is not happy about Formula 1's rules revolution for 2022. Read more.
F1 eyeing Saturday 'sprint races' for 2021
Formula 1 is looking to trial a 'sprint race' format in 2021. Read more.
Hamilton should 'take it or leave it' - Ecclestone
Mercedes should issue a 'take it or leave it' demand to Lewis Hamilton as his 2021 contract negotiations roll on, according to Bernie Ecclestone. Read more.
Ilott to get practice outings in 2021
Callum Ilott will appear during some Friday practice sessions in 2021. Read more.
F1 won't 'jump the queue' for vaccinations
Stefano Domenicali has played down suggestions Formula 1 will try to fast-track a vaccination plan amid the ongoing covid crisis. Read more.
