F1 Gossip: Marko confirms Red Bull's request to check Mercedes’ front wing

- Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull has asked the FIA to inspect Mercedes’ front wing to assess whether its flexibility complies with F1’s regulations. (F1-Insider)

As a response to Mercedes complaining about Red Bull’s rear wing, the Milton-Keynes based outfit is seeking clarity on the reigning world champions’ flexible front wing.

Marko added that: "Our victory in France has already proven that we had no competitive advantage [from the flexi-wing]."

- Alexander Albon has praised Max Verstappen for his ‘no politics’ approach.

Speaking to RacingNews365.com, Albon said: "He is always very honest and he is also a person who doesn't need politics because he is such a good driver. That way he can always focus on himself and that's good too, that's how it should be as a driver.

"In the end it's about performing well yourself and that's what Max does."

- Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is confident Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract to stay at the team for 2022.

He told ESPN: "Yes, that is the case. Our relationship between the team and him feels so natural today, through highs and lows.

"I cannot imagine us and him going in separate directions next year."

- FIA president Jean Todt says he’d prefer to see less controversy in Formula 1. (RaceFans)

Former Red Bull driver David Coulthard has revealed "Sebastian [Vettel] hardly speaks to me anymore" after the Channel 4 pundit criticised the four-time champion heavily for his abject performance over the last two seasons. (SpeedWeek)

Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen says Max Verstappen’s mentality is a key strength and is a key attribute in the fight against Lewis Hamilton. (Unibet)

2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg says Daniel Ricciardo finds himself in a “very unusual situation” at McLaren and one that is ‘mentally difficult’ given the form of Lando Norris in 2021. (MotorsportWeek)