Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Sunday, August 30.
Sunday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
2020 won't be Vettel's last visit to Spa
© Reuters
Sebastian Vettel has dropped a big hint about his future.
Although reports that he will definitely sign a 2021 Aston Martin contract this weekend at Spa appear to have been wide of the mark, the Ferrari refugee is at least now suggesting that he will not retire.
When asked by Sky Deutschland if this weekend is his last visit to Spa-Francorchamps, the quadruple world champion smiled: "I think I can come here at any time.
"We'll see if I will be driving a fast car. But I don't think it will be my last time here.
"I still have many years ahead of me."
Ferrari's 2020 crisis hit a new low in Belgian GP practice when the two red cars slumped to 15th and 17th on Friday.
When asked how frustrating that is, Vettel answered: "There are always two approaches - get frustrated, or stand up and get on with it.
"That's what I'm here for - I'm always optimistic," said the 33-year-old German.
Bus of Dutch fans turned around at Spa
© Reuters
A full bus-load of Max Verstappen fans was turned away from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium on Friday.
Local media say the police turned the bus around and ordered it return to the Netherlands, as the Belgian GP this weekend is being held without spectators.
Police report that other F1 fans were intercepted in a wooded area near the famous circuit and each fined EUR 350.
Dutchman Verstappen, who was actually born in Belgium, appears fully competitive so far this weekend, although he warned: "I doubt we can fight Mercedes for pole."
But Red Bull official Dr Helmut Marko says he hopes the situation changes for next weekend's race.
"We'll see in Monza, where Mercedes loses their party mode," he told Kronen Zeitung newspaper.
Marko insisted that the energy drink owned team is not giving up the title fight to Mercedes.
"There is no question of giving up," he said.
"We have already won a world championship when we were 60 points behind Alonso at halftime. Unfortunately, Hamilton and Mercedes are in a different league than Alonso and Ferrari were then.
"But at some point, Mr Hamilton's happiness must end," the Austrian added.
More news from Formula 1:
Schumacher set for Alfa Romeo test
Mick Schumacher looks set to get a test at the wheel of Alfa Romeo's 2020 car later this year. Read more.
Renault engine 'really fast' at Spa - Wolff
Renault's 2020 engine is continuing to turn heads. Read more.
Sub-1 minute qualifying in Bahrain - Symonds
Top FIA official Pat Symonds thinks the second race in Bahrain in December will be a "great spectacle". Read more.
Alonso to attend Imola, Abu Dhabi races
Fernando Alonso says it is possible he will stay in Formula 1 beyond the two-year term of his return with Renault in 2021. Read more.
Briatore set to leave hospital
Flavio Briatore will on Saturday be discharged from a Milan hospital. Read more.
Ecclestone denies buying Williams
Bernie Ecclestone has denied that he is involved in the Williams buyout. Read more.
Sebastian Vettel claims last position in final practice for Belgian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton topped the time charts to leave him as favourite for pole position at Spa-Francorchamps. Read more.
Haas to stick with Ferrari amid engine crisis
Gunther Steiner says Haas will continue to work with crisis-struck Ferrari. Read more.
No 2020 Red Bull return for Gasly - Horner
Red Bull has dashed Pierre Gasly's hopes of an immediate return to the senior team. Read more.
Schumacher says rumours of F1 move 'a compliment'
Mick Schumacher is not getting carried away with reports that he is poised to kick off his Formula 1 race career in 2021. Read more.
Wolff questions crisis-struck Ferrari's 'priorities'
Toto Wolff has questioned whether Ferrari's "priorities" are right. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton dedicates latest pole to Chadwick Boseman
The Black Panther star died at the age of 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer on Saturday. Read more.
10 percent downforce reduction for 2021 - Tombazis
Downforce will be slashed by 10 percent next year, predominantly to help official tyre supplier Pirelli to cope. Read more.
Wolff doubts 'pink Mercedes' appeal will go ahead
Toto Wolff is not expecting the 'pink Mercedes' affair to head to the international court of appeal. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton secures pole position for Belgian Grand Prix
The Mercedes driver is 37 points clear of nearest challenger Max Verstappen heading into Sunday's race. Read more.
Pirelli 'listens' to drivers like Hamilton - Isola
Mario Isola says he always listens to the F1 drivers' complaints about tyres. Read more.
No news after Gasly home theft
Pierre Gasly has urged thieves not to destroy sentimental items that were stolen from his home in Normandy during the Spanish GP weekend. Read more.
Patient Verstappen admits title charge 'not easy'
Max Verstappen says Red Bull is "doing our best" even though Mercedes is clearly dominating in 2020. Read more.
3,000 spectators to be allowed at Mugello
The president of Italy's Tuscany region, Enrico Rossi, looks set to approve a maximum of 3,000 spectators per day for the Mugello race in two weeks. Read more.
