Latest F1 news in brief

UPDATE Updates shown in red below.

11/01/15

Hamilton (R) proclaims that Rosberg (L) not capable of beating him unless he makes a mistake

Only mistakes gives Rosberg a chance to win – Hamilton
Todt comes out fighting on rare F1 visit
Red Bull eyes Todt's help amid engine crisis
Vettel praises Ferrari for overnight gains
Massa clocks highest speed of season
McLaren needs 'rain and chaos' – Alonso
Rosberg expects tires to play key role
Perez: McLaren ruined Magnussen's career New
Rosberg should leave Mercedes – Massa New

Only mistakes gives Rosberg a chance to win – Hamilton
(GMM) His title chances are over, but Nico Rosberg seems determined to start his fight back against Lewis Hamilton immediately.

After the cap-hurling disappointment of Austin just a week ago, the German continued his run of pole positions in Mexico on Saturday.

But new triple world champion Hamilton sounded unperturbed, insisting that he is actually happy to be starting second for the long run down to turn 1.

"Actually it (second) is probably the best spot to start," he said.

And the mind games continued with Hamilton suggesting that while Rosberg has clinched four poles on the trot, it is he who is going home with the biggest trophies.

"The races are the real meaning," said the Briton. "When you finish your career, it's the championships and the race wins that you've had (that matter), not the pole positions."

And the harshest barb came in an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper, in which Hamilton suggested Rosberg only wins when he makes mistakes.

I am so great

"Let's just say that my greatest enemy is myself," Hamilton said.

"I see it that someone else has a chance only when I make mistakes. So as long as I don't beat myself, probably no one can take the title from me at the moment."

It is clear that, after their first-corner clash in Austin and the cap-hurling incident that followed, the tension has returned to the silver-clad duel.

Asked if 'anger' was the missing ingredient before, Rosberg insisted after securing pole on Saturday: "Definitely not. It's attack like always, no difference."

Boss Toto Wolff, however, does not quite agree, admitting he thinks recent knocks have indeed fired up Rosberg.

But he doesn't mind.

"Controversy and friction between teammates is what the fans want to see and it spurs us on as a team as well," Wolff said. "I just don't like it when it has a negative effect on the team."

Indeed, Rosberg has hinted that, having been bullied by Hamilton in recent on-track battles, a change of approach from Mexico onwards might now be necessary.

Wolff is concerned that it might end with broken pieces of carbon fiber on Sunday.

"We have discussed this topic a lot," he revealed. "The biggest rule still applies — do not put each other out of the race."

Earlier, Wolff was critical of Hamilton's behavior at the start in Austin, but now he says Rosberg also played a significant role in the clash.

"The maneuver at the first corner in Austin was hard from both sides," he said, "and I want to stress that we do not want to see more collisions like that."

Waiting patiently behind them on the Mexico grid, meanwhile, is Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who joked to Rosberg and Hamilton after qualifying: "Can you make sure you take each other out so I can go through?"

Jean Todt and Bernie Ecclestone in the Mexico paddock with Ferrari personnel seeking an engine solution for Red Bull

Todt comes out fighting on rare F1 visit
(GMM) On a rare visit to the F1 paddock, Jean Todt admitted he has "concerns" and is working hard on some of the sport's current issues.

Often criticized for his apparently low profile and hands-off style to running the FIA, the Frenchman said the fact Red Bull and Toro Rosso are currently without 'power units' to use in 2016 is "frustrating".

"On the other hand, I do not want to judge too much about the situation," he said.

"There is always a reason why certain things happen. But we should give all the assistance we can so that they are at the start next year with a homologated engine," Todt added.

Todt also admitted he is "disappointed" Ferrari wielded its famous veto on the issue of capping the price of engines for struggling customer teams.

Although, as Ferrari boss, he actually used the controversial veto in the past himself, Todt admitted he is less in favor of the idea now, likening it to a "gun".

"It (the veto) started in the 80s," he said, "when Enzo Ferrari felt isolated from all the British teams.

"But no one should forget that at the time Ferrari was the only team that built the entire car. He (Ferrari) wanted a kind of protection and the FIA gave it to them.

"When I became president, I asked the question about whether it was still appropriate," he said. "Bernie Ecclestone was of the opinion that Ferrari should keep it, and the other teams agreed.

"I find it annoying now that teams have to struggle to survive, and that there are teams that do not have an engine for 2016. That should not happen."

So it appears now that Todt might be ready for a fight, with Ecclestone as his unlikely new ally.

With Ferrari vetoing the price cap, the pair have instead proposed an alternative engine formula. But won't Ferrari simply veto that as well?

"The veto does not apply to everything," Ecclestone suggested to Auto Motor und Sport.

Todt explained: "The veto applies only if the interests of Ferrari are directly affected."

The idea of a parallel, 2.2 liter 'client engine' is not popular, however, as it would require F1 to devise complex equivalency rules to ensure they can compete against the current 'power units'.

Todt argues: "We have managed to do it in the world endurance championship, where there are various engine concepts all competing on an equal footing. Why should it not also work in formula one?"

But he also admitted that the 2.2 liter proposal might be leverage to simply convince the existing manufacturers to think again about the cost cap idea.

Told that he promised the manufacturers stable rules, Todt answered: "If they can agree on a price limit, then I would keep the engine regulations stable until 2020."

But Ferrari says only it should be setting prices, while Toto Wolff insists Mercedes already makes a loss in developing and supply its title-winning engine.

"The business plan at the moment means we lose money," he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport, "so the loss would be even greater if the price is lowered.

"Motor racing is competitive and not a charity. Of course, it is legitimate for the FIA and Bernie to want to help the small teams, so we will listen to the proposals and discuss it," Wolff added.

Finally, Todt commented on the sad plight of his friend Michael Schumacher, following reports even the F1 legend's closest friends no longer visit him.

"I see him and his family very often," Todt said. "Michael is still fighting and I am very proud of him."

Ecclestone and Todt also met with Mercedes personnel in seeking engine solution for Red Bull

Red Bull eyes Todt's help amid engine crisis
(GMM) Red Bull is now looking to the most powerful man in motor racing to help solve its engine supply crisis.

Just as Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz's self-imposed end-of-October deadline expires, FIA president Jean Todt showed up in Mexico City for an ultra-rare F1 paddock appearance.

The Frenchman admitted the fact Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso are currently without power units for 2016 is "frustrating".

"There is always a reason why certain things happen," said Todt. "But we should give all the assistance we can so that they are at the start next year with a homologated engine."

That is not quite the sound of a firing engine, but it is music to the ears of Dr Helmut Marko, who is Mateschitz's right-hand man on F1 matters.

"It's a difficult situation," Marko admitted to Bild am Sonntag newspaper in Mexico.

After it emerged McLaren had vetoed a last-resort deal between Red Bull and Honda, Eric Boullier explained to Auto Motor und Sport: "Honda and us are partners with a common approach.

"It is not about Ron Dennis and (Yasuhisa) Arai-San saying yes. The fact is that Red Bull put itself in this situation and we are not a welfare organization," he added.

Marko continued: "Everything is very tedious. But Jean Todt is here in Mexico so hopefully we will soon know some more about the new engine," added the Austrian.

Todt was also quoted as saying: "I am sure the people of Red Bull are working diligently to find a solution. And Bernie Ecclestone has offered to help.

"I am optimistic that Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso will contest next year's world championship. But that's all I can say for now."

Vettel had praise for his Ferrari engineers

Vettel praises Ferrari for overnight gains
Sebastian Vettel praised Ferrari for the set-up gains it made overnight after he secured third on the grid for the Mexican Grand Prix.

Vettel ended the first day at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in fifth, but made the second row in qualifying, behind the Mercedes.

"Third was the maximum, so it's another very good day," said Vettel, who edged out Red Bull pair Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo.

"I think we did a step from yesterday to today, so we can be happy, and tomorrow is a new day, so we're ready to give everything again."

Vettel is hopeful of being in a position to benefit if Rosberg and Hamilton clash up front.

"You never know what happens," he said, adding, "let's hope nothing happens to us and we're in a good position. It's a long race, 71 laps, so there's a lot of things that can happen.

"Unfortunately we didn't get many laps yesterday, but the race pace looked OK, so let's see."

Vettel's team-mate, Kimi Raikkonen, dropped out of qualifying in 15th position, after mechanics carried out engine and gearbox changes in the wake of his third practice stoppage.

"We planned to run it [qualifying] like this," commented Raikkonen, who will drop five places on Sunday afternoon's grid as a result of his gearbox change.

"Obviously the guys did a very good job to put the old engine back in the car for qualifying. We are still not 100 per cent sure what happened in the morning session.

"[In Q2] there was a small issue with the brakes and then they started to work OK, but there was a problem in the end. We were not planning to try to get there [Q3] anyway."

With Mercedes power behind him Massa clocks fastest speed of year. Slowest was Alexander Rossi in the slug Manor – 20 mph slower

Massa clocks highest speed of season
Felipe Massa set the highest top speed of the season during qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix as he reached a peak of 364.3km/h (226.3mph) during Q1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

The altitude of the circuit, which lies over 2,200 meters high, means that drag and downforce is reduced due to only 78 per cent of the oxygen being available compared to sea level.

The top speeds are further aided by the medium-speed entry onto the pit straight, which is 1.2km in length and DRS-assisted.

Massa achieved the speed of 364.3km/h in his Mercedes-powered Williams FW37, with team-mate Valtteri Bottas ranking second on the list at 360.8km/h.

Felipe Nasr was the quickest Ferrari-powered runner on 358.2km/h while Renault and Honda lagged behind, with Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso clocking 350.9km/h and 345.9km/h respectively.

Manor Marussia brought up the foot of the table, with Alexander Rossi a full 32km/h slower than Massa.

Massa's top speed was significantly faster than the highest achieved during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Force India's Sergio Pérez recorded a best of 354.6km/h.

Alonso's eyes tell the story

McLaren needs 'rain and chaos' – Alonso
McLaren driver Fernando Alonso says that the outfit needs "rain and chaos" if it is to pick up a result at the Mexican Grand Prix amid another challenging weekend.

Alonso and team-mate Jenson Button displayed promising pace during practice but the Spaniard was eliminated in Q1 while Button suffered a power unit problem which left him unable to participate in qualifying.

Their positions were rendered meaningless as both sustained substantial engine-related grid penalties, demoting the pair to the back of the grid.

"We went into qualifying knowing that our penalties would relegate us to the last row of the grid," Alonso said.

"There wasn't much to gain from qualifying. It was more about finding out how the car felt; using up tires and engine mileage for no reason made little sense.

"We need some rain and chaos. We have plenty of fresh sets of tires – both dries and wets – so let's see what we can do. Hopefully, we can recover some places in the race."

Despite a difficult weekend for McLaren, Button is optimistic of a positive outcome.

"It's been a tough weekend – but I'm still looking forward to the race," he said.

"It's always fun racing on a new circuit, and it'll be exciting, because you never know what might happen."

Rosberg ahead of Hamilton says tires will be key

Rosberg expects tires to play key role
Mexican Grand Prix pole-sitter Nico Rosberg says he expects tire management to play a key role in the outcome of Sunday's race.

Rosberg edged out team-mate Lewis Hamilton during qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for his fourth straight pole.

But the German remains wary of the lengthy run to the first corner, and the way Pirelli's Soft and Medium tire compounds will behave.

"It's a good start, but it's a long run down to Turn 1, so it's going to be an exciting battle," said Rosberg during the post-qualifying press conference.

"I'm sure we have a good race car for tomorrow; it will be interesting tire-wise, as there was some stuff [during practice] on Friday that will be not so easy to handle in the race, but we're prepared well."

Rosberg says he has been comfortable in Mexico from the outset.

"I don't really have a precise explanation [for pole]," he said.

"I've just felt good all weekend. I found a good balance with the car in qualifying, so thanks to my engineers I was able to push and I got a really good lap in."

Hamilton, meanwhile, feels he is well-placed to pounce from second on the grid.

"It's the sort of qualifying session you go into thinking of course you've got to push for P1, but if you get P2 it's not the worst case scenario, it's actually probably better," he said.

"We've got a bit difference in balance, set-up wise, so it'll be interesting to see how much of a difference that happens to make – my races have been pretty good for a while."

Perez says McLaren ruins careers – Just ask Michael Andretti, Perez, Magnussen and a long list of drivers

Perez: McLaren ruined Magnussen's career
While Sergio Perez has no "bad feelings" towards McLaren, he reckons their politics have ruined drivers' careers.

After punching above his weight at Sauber, Perez joined McLaren in 2013. That, though, was to be his only season in Woking.
McLaren struggled for form with neither Perez nor team-mate Jenson Button managing a single podium result never mind a race win.

McLaren called time on Perez's stay at the end of the year, dropping him in favor of Kevin Magnussen.

But after just one season the Dane was also ousted from a race-seat, demoted to a test driver role.

Speaking of his own year with McLaren, Perez told Telegraph Sport: "That year was very political. It was very difficult for the people.

"With Martin [Whitmarsh] and Ron [Dennis], there were big fights. Very political. Martin was blaming the engineers, the engineers were blaming Ron. It was just a big hole going around."

But while Perez went from McLaren to Force India, Magnussen has found himself out in the cold with the Mexican driver stating that McLaren are to blame for ruining the Dane's career.

"You saw with Kevin. He came in and they ruined his career unfortunately. It's not like McLaren does that on purpose it's just very political. Especially when I arrived in McLaren.

"I don’t have bad feelings. I look back and feel proud I drove for such a historic team.

"I really hope in the future I can get my big chance with a top team, because it’s what I’m here for. I’m very confident I’ll get the chance. I’m getting better and better through the experience, and I see no reason why I cannot do that." Planet F1

Rosberg's reaction when he heard Massa's recommendation

Rosberg should leave Mercedes – Massa
Felipe Massa says Nico Rosberg needs to change teams as Mercedes starts to gravitate towards triple world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton won a dominant third title – and second in succession – last weekend at the United States Grand Prix, with Rosberg unhappy with his team-mate's robust start which saw the two make light contact. Massa has previously spoke of a loss of respect from Ferrari during his later years with the Scuderia after Fernando Alonso joined, and he believes Rosberg could do with a new start.

"I believe that Nico's situation will only get worse next year because Lewis keeps winning and also 'winning' the team for him," Massa said. "I think Nico's only hope is to change teams so he can start fresh all over again."

Rosberg's current contract expires at the end of 2016, though there are additional options in the "multi-year" deal he signed in 2014. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told F1i in Russia plans to try and get Pascal Wehrlein in a race seat in F1 are not designed with the team thinking about any future driver line-up.

"It's too far-fetched because at the moment both of our drivers are contracted to us," Wolff said. "We enjoy working with them, so we can't have the discussion yet because I'm still concentrated on Nico and Lewis." F1i,com