F1 Gossip: Teams split in crunch talks over lowering budget cap

- In the latest F1 crisis meeting, teams argue over lowering the team budget cap, with Ferrari and Red Bull the key opposers reasoning the different team models doesn’t permit for a one-size-fits-all approach. A move to delay the technical rules overhaul by another year to 2023 was rejected. (BBC Sport)

- Formula 1 management have opted to place over 200 staff into furlough during the delays to the start of the 2020 season, while senior management figures including CEO Chase Carey and motorsports director Ross Brawn are taking pay cuts believed to be around 20% for two months. (Sky Sports)

- The coronavirus pandemic has delayed Mercedes contract renewal talks with Lewis Hamilton, while team principal Toto Wolff has also had to push back his own negotiations on a new deal but confirms he remains committed to the reigning F1 world champions. (The Sun)

- Ferrari celebrates Charles Leclerc’s debut F1 Virtual Grand Prix victory with the same tradition it marks actual race wins by raising its traditional Italian national and Scuderia flags at its Maranello headquarters. (Marca.com)

- Dutch Grand Prix sports director Jan Lammers has played down the prospects of any F1 races until at least July. The former F1 driver and 1988 Le Mans 24 Hours winner also dismissed speculation on trying to nail down a new date for the Dutch round until the coronavirus crisis eases. (Speedweek)

- Ex-Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali is convinced Sebastian Vettel will return stronger than ever to fight for his place at the team. The German driver’s current Ferrari deal expires at the end of this season, but team principal Mattia Binotto has already confirmed retaining the four-time F1 world champion is his main priority. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Some things never change: celebrating the first win of the year @Charles_Leclerc #VirtualGP #FerrariEsports #F1Esports pic.twitter.com/8ydOytS78s

— FerrariEsports (@FerrariEsports) April 6, 2020