Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Tuesday, December 1.
Tuesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Perez unsure if Verstappen blocking Red Bull seat
© Reuters
Sergio Perez says he will only found out "after the end of the season" if Red Bull will rescue his Formula 1 career by signing him up for 2021.
The Mexican told Spanish-language media on Monday that his 'plan A' is "to race at Red Bull", although he acknowledges that the team says "they will not announce anything until after the end of the season".
Perez is losing his current seat to Sebastian Vettel for 2021, and he says being signed by Red Bull is now the only way he will be in Formula 1 next year.
"Plan B would be to take a sabbatical," he revealed.
"If I am not in Formula 1 next year, I want to take that time to think very hard about what I want to do.
"I have options to return in 2022, but I want to analyse everything very well. Will there be a possibility to join a good project, or do I no longer want to continue in F1?" wondered Perez.
Some have suggested that Max Verstappen is effectively vetoing his candidature at Red Bull, as the Dutchman would prefer Nico Hulkenberg as his next teammate.
"I don't know," Perez said. "I don't know if he is against me but in the end, Max and every driver wants someone at his side who can push him. And I don't see why that can't be me."
He played down the notion that he might switch to another series, like Indycar.
"No other category catches my attention," the 30-year-old said.
He admitted that Racing Point, to become Aston Martin next year, terminated his three-year contract thanks to a clause.
"There was an option on both sides and they were able to execute it," said Perez.
He also sounds none too keen on becoming a full-time F1 reserve driver next year in order to remain close to the pinnacle of motorsport during his sabbatical.
"It is something I would have to discuss, but I am not convinced that I will travel to so many races. I don't want to go to 23 races and be away from my family without being able to race.
"For 2022 the rules are changing and we will all start from zero, so after 200 laps I would be at my level again."
He said his sabbatical will "of course" be supported by Carlos Slim, his wealthy Mexican backer.
"We make every decision together and yes, they will continue to support me. I will have unlimited data throughout the year on my Telcel," Perez joked.
He said the risk for Formula 1 of losing talented drivers like him is that "We can see a category that is not at such a high level as in the past".
"We could have ten top-level drivers and ten fill drivers who have not done so much to be there."
Finally, Perez revealed that he flew to Bahrain with Romain Grosjean, "and we talked about our families and his plans to compete in Indycar next year".
F1 defends decision to show Grosjean crash replays
© Reuters
Formula 1 has hit back at criticism of the way the sport handled the television replays of Romain Grosjean's horror crash in Bahrain last Sunday.
Daniel Ricciardo called the multiple replays of the fiery incident "completely disrespectful and inconsiderate" as the drivers prepared for the race re-start.
"It was entertainment and they are playing with all of our emotions," said the Australian, whose views were backed by Valtteri Bottas, Sebastian Vettel and others.
However, Toto Wolff supported F1's decision to show the replays, on the grounds of "transparency".
Formula 1, owned by Liberty Media, has now weighed into the matter via an official spokesperson.
"First of all, F1 is not about entertainment at all costs," the official was quoted by France's Auto Hebdo.
The spokesperson said the official procedure after a major incident is not to show any replays "until we have received confirmation that the driver and everyone is ok".
"At some point, we showed Romain being supported as he walked towards the ambulance. But there was nothing until we got the green light from the race management and the FIA that everyone involved was fine.
"The footage was then shown in a context that allows commentators to explain the benefits of the Halo and the safety improvements promoted by the FIA," the spokesperson continued.
"There is a constant dialogue between F1, the FIA, and the race management. We make decisions on the basis of reasoned judgment and with respect for the families of those involved."
Grosjean's boss, Haas chief Gunther Steiner, also backs Formula 1.
"There can be two opinions here, but in the end no one was seriously hurt," he said.
"We wanted to tell everyone the news as soon as possible - to his family, his friends, the guys in the team. And it's much easier to do this by simply reporting everything on TV.
"Of course, if something really bad happens, you don't need to show it. I'm certainly no expert on ethical issues on what needs to be on TV, but in my opinion it's good that the TV people showed it," Steiner added.
"Yes, the incident was unpleasant, but we were lucky and in the end everything ended fine."
More news from Formula 1:
Romain Grosjean's wife says "several" miracles saved her husband's life
It is anticipated that Romain Grosjean will be released from hospital on Tuesday. Read more.
Romain Grosjean out of Sakhir Grand Prix after fireball crash
Haas reserve driver Pietro Emerson Fittipaldi, the grandson of double world champion Emerson, will make his F1 debut in next weekend's race. Read more.
Romain Grosjean set for another night in hospital following horror crash
The 34-year-old is expected to be discharged on Tuesday. Read more.
Romain Grosjean says "greatest thing" halo saved his life
The French driver's car split in two and burst into flames after he pierced through a steel barrier. Read more.
Analysing the circumstances surrounding Romain Grosjean's miraculous escape
The French driver's Haas car burst into flames after he crashed in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday. Read more.
Nikita Mazepin signs for Haas on multi-year deal from 2021
The Moscow-born 21-year-old says he appreciates the trust being placed in him by the American marque. Read more.
No F1 debut for Callum Ilott in 2021
Callum Ilott has counted himself out of the running for a Formula 1 debut in 2021. Read more.
Journalist says Grosjean aims to race in Abu Dhabi
Romain Grosjean is reportedly aiming to return to the cockpit of his Haas car in Abu Dhabi, for what will almost certainly be his last Formula 1 race. Read more.
Drivers 'not sissies' after big crashes - Verstappen
Max Verstappen has hit back at criticism of his claim that Formula 1 drivers should not have the choice to sit out a race after a horror crash involving one of their rivals. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton tests positive for coronavirus
The Briton is already confirmed as world champion. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year
The other five hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday by the BBC. Read more.
'No doubt' that F1 dodged a fatality - Salo
Mika Salo says a simple driver miscalculation caused Romain Grosjean's horror and fiery crash in Bahrain last Sunday. Read more.
Stuart Broad joins Lewis Hamilton in nominations for SPOTY
The other four hopefuls will be revealed throughout Tuesday on the BBC's various platforms. Read more.
