Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Wednesday, July 15.
Wednesday morning's Formula 1 news roundup:
Renault to be in F1 'a long time' - Briatore
© Reuters
Renault will be in Formula 1 "for a long time", according to the French works outfit's former boss.
Flavio Briatore told Italy's Tuttosport that he helped his protege Fernando Alonso negotiate the Spaniard's return to Formula 1 for next year.
"We negotiated the return together. I have known for two months," he said.
"We have guarantees that Renault will remain in F1 for a long time, Fernando has his motivation, I'm very happy.
"There was the possibility of going to Racing Point but we preferred to make another choice," Briatore added.
As for 38-year-old Alonso, the two-time champion insists he is not thinking about his Formula 1 return quite yet.
"Right now I am fully focused on the Indianapolis 500," said Alonso, referring to the fabled oval race that has been rescheduled for August 23.
"My goal is to try to do the triple crown, so I'm not thinking about F1 right now. Afterwards I will follow the team and go in the simulator," he added.
Ricciardo insists Abiteboul relationship 'cool'
© Reuters
Daniel Ricciardo insists "everything is cool" between himself and his current team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
After it emerged that the Australian driver is moving to McLaren for 2021, a statement issued by Renault indicated that Abiteboul questioned Ricciardo's loyalty.
"In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team," Abiteboul was quoted as saying.
Ricciardo told Channel 4 that he didn't "take it personally".
"I was aware of some articles but I have spoken to him since then and the dust has settled and everything is cool," he said.
"But I also just think that is the competitive spirit you see not just in the drivers but the teams as well. When they believe in something and you want something, you're going to collide somewhere."
Ricciardo said the situation is similar to 2018, when he signed with Renault for the 2019 and 2020 seasons mid-way through the year.
"The shock from the news takes a bit of a hit but as time passes everybody just gets back to work. That's what we will do now," he said.
More transfer news from Formula 1:
Vettel not confirming Aston Martin move for 2021
Sebastian Vettel is poised to rescue his beleaguered Formula 1 career by signing up with Aston Martin for 2021. Read more.
FIA bans Wolff's clear face shield
Toto Wolff says he will no longer wear a clear face shield in the Formula 1 paddock. Read more.
Ferrari has identified Binotto's successor - report
Mattia Binotto's successor as Ferrari team boss may already have been found. Read more.
Honda no match for Mercedes power in 2020
The big difference between title contenders Mercedes and Red Bull in 2020 is engine power. Read more.
Berger says 'pink Mercedes' protest is important
Renault's protest against the 'pink Mercedes' fielded by Racing Point this year could be a significant moment for Formula 1. Read more.
Kneeling 'against the Russian mentality' - Kvyat
It is a "personal choice" whether drivers want to kneel or stand amid the new wave of racial politics that is sweeping through Formula 1, according to Daniil Kvyat. Read more.
Racing Point should get away with fielding its 'pink Mercedes' in 2020, according to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. Read more.
Sainz may regret signing for Ferrari - Doornbos
Carlos Sainz might be the first ever driver who regrets signing a Ferrari contract before even racing a car with the Prancing Horse logo. Read more.
Constant driver changes 'not good' - Abiteboul
Cyril Abiteboul has admitted that Renault has been changing drivers too often in recent years. Read more.
Leclerc 'killed Vettel politically' - Schumacher
Charles Leclerc "killed Sebastian Vettel politically" at Ferrari. Read more.
Binotto admits car 'concept' may be flawed
Mattia Binotto has admitted the basic "concept" of Ferrari's 2020 car may be flawed. Read more.
Ferrari should have fined Leclerc - Briatore
Charles Leclerc should have been fined by Ferrari for crashing into his teammate in Austria. Read more.
Bottas, Hamilton set to sign new F1 deals
Mercedes is reportedly well on the way to signing up its current drivers for 2021. Read more.
