F1 Gossip: Saudi Arabia in talks to host GP?

- Saudi Arabia is in talks with Formula 1 officials over the possibility of hosting a grand prix in the future, potentially as early at 2021. Formula E paid its first visit to Saudi Arabia last year as part of the Kingdom's push for diversification away from oil, opening the door for F1 to follow suit. Teams have already been asked for their view on a possible race in Saudi Arabia (The Times)

- Ex-F1 driver Jolyon Palmer had high praise for Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes and the British rookies in his 'winners and losers' column following the first half of the season, but said his former team Renault had endured a "horror show" so far this year (BBC Sport)

- Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen expects Mercedes to face a more stringent challenge through the second half of the season, and has backed compatriot Valtteri Bottas to bounce back after two "frustrating" races (Unibet)

- Despite the team's ongoing struggles and difficult 2019 campaign, deputy chief Claire Williams is "really excited" about the future for the Grove outfit (RaceFans)

- Indianapolis 500 champion Simon Pagenaud was present for race day at the Hungarian Grand Prix, catching up with a number of old friends and waving the chequered flag on the final lap (F1)

- Renault junior Guanyu Zhou has been completing a private F1 test in a 2017-spec car in Barcelona today (Albert Fabrega on Twitter)