F1 Gossip: Mercedes opposes reverse-grid plan

In the latest F1 gossip, Mercedes opposes reverse-grid qualifying race proposal, Fernando Alonso is being considered by Renault and Italy seeks to host two F1 races this year...

- Mercedes has refused to support Formula 1’s proposal to introduce reverse-grid qualifying races on the second weekend of double-header events at the same circuit, while Racing Point is undecided whether to support the plan (RaceFans) 

- Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is under consideration for a return to Renault for the 2021 F1 season as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement, admits team principal Cyril Abiteboul (RMC) 

- The Automobile Club d’Italia is keen for Italy to host two F1 races this summer, with either an additional round at Monza alongside the Italian Grand Prix, or at another venue, possibly at Imola or Mugello (La Gazzetta dello Sport) 

- “Let’s be better, people. It’s 2020 ffs.” Daniel Ricciardo has urged society to grow up and move away from the “toxic” and “disgraceful” racism many are subjected to on a daily basis (ESPN) 

- Double F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has tipped fellow countryman Valtteri Bottas to emerge from Lewis Hamilton’s shadow at Mercedes and claim his first world title this season (Formula 1) 

- Former Williams F1 driver Robert Kubica says Sebastian Vettel’s departure from Ferrari surprised him “a little”, adding that the signing of Carlos Sainz as his replacement was a brave choice as Daniel Ricciardo or Valtteri Bottas would have had “fewer risks” (AS) 

- F1 intends to allow drivers to continue their ‘gloves-off’ approach to wheel-to-wheel racing when the sport returns in July, according to FIA race director Michael Masi (Sky Sports)