Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Thursday, January 14.

Thursday morning's Formula 1 news roundup

Next F1 engines could be 2000hp - Berger

F1 legend Gerhard Berger has raised the tantalising prospect of 2000 horsepower engines in Formula 1.

While a continuation of 'green' engines is a certainty beyond 2025, the sport is currently in a period of reflection about what precisely will replace the current turbo hybrid power units.

"I'll be in trouble for this, but let's dig out all the old normally aspirated engines," former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told the February edition of Motor Sport magazine.

"Everybody's got them, the costs go right down, the noise will be back, and we can use them for five years while we sort out an engine for the future."

Also weighing into the debate is former Ferrari and McLaren driver Gerhard Berger, who is now overseeing DTM as the German touring car series takes its next steps into the future.

When asked what the next F1 engines should be capable of, he referred to the turbo units of the 80s, which are famous for producing as much as 1500 horsepower.

"Back then we drove with 1500hp with poor safety standards," Berger told f1-insider.com. "So why shouldn't Formula 1 be able to drive with 2000hp today?"

Mercedes to sign new F1 junior driver

Mercedes may be on the cusp of signing another youngster to its Formula 1 driver development program.

Ekstra Bladet newspaper claims that Danish 19-year-old Frederik Vesti and his manager Dorte Riis Madsen, who used to work with Kevin Magnussen, have been in talks with the title-winning team for "several months".

"A contract is close," the publication added.

Mercedes' program is run by Gwen Lagrue, who has most recently championed the Formula 1 careers of George Russell and Esteban Ocon.

Vesti finished fourth last year in his first season in the FIA Formula 3 championship, and in 2019 he won the Formula Regional European title.

Mercedes and Dorte Riis Madsen did not comment.

More news from Formula 1:

Mercedes to again be painted black for 2021 season
Lewis Hamilton urged the Mercedes hierarchy to change its traditional silver livery last year. Read more.

'No regrets' about not signing Hamilton - Binotto
Ferrari has no "regret" after failing to make a serious bid to snap up Lewis Hamilton for 2021. Read more.

Honda chief admits F1 exit a 'real shame'
Honda's F1 chief says it is a "real shame" that the Japanese manufacturer is pulling out of the sport at the end of this year. Read more.

Stop kicking Mazepin 'in the face' - Steiner
Gunther Steiner has moved to end the controversy surrounding new Haas recruit Nikita Mazepin by suggesting kicking the Russian "in the face" is "not right". Read more.

Alfa Romeo's future in F1 in doubt - report
The future of the Alfa Romeo brand in Formula 1 depends on forthcoming decisions at the boardroom level, according to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport. Read more.

F1 denies 2022 rules facing another delay
Formula 1 has flatly denied suggestions the sweeping new rules for 2022 could be delayed yet another year. Read more.