Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Monday, December 21.
Monday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
New co-owner says 'no sign' Hamilton is leaving
© Reuters
There is "no sign" that would indicate Lewis Hamilton is considering leaving Mercedes.
That is the view of billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman of British chemical multinational Ineos which has bought exactly one third of the reigning world champion team.
Only 10 days remain on seven time world champion Hamilton's existing Mercedes contract, and the 35-year-old admitted that extension talks have not even begun.
"Sooner or later it will be done," said team boss Toto Wolff. "At the latest it will be before we go testing. We are not putting a date on it.
"Lewis is the best racing driver of this generation, and we have the best car. We have a personal relationship but of course it is also mutually beneficial. We need each other.
"We just have to push the button."
Ratcliffe confirmed that he will not get involved with the contract talks, insisting that sort of decision "goes through Toto".
"But clearly there has been no diminution of his skills," he said, referring to Hamilton. "He is still at the absolute top of his game, despite being 35. There is no sign of any change."
Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius confirmed: "We would like to continue this partnership and it is up to Toto in his role to get that done."
As for Ineos' new 33 percent team stake, Ratcliffe clarified that he has "no interest in taking over the majority".
Wolff, meanwhile, has upped his own stake so that he, Daimler and Ineos are now all exactly equal co-owners. The Austrian has also signed a new three-year contract to be team boss.
"The three year contract is a misunderstanding," Wolff clarified. "I have not committed myself for three years, I have committed myself for my life.
"We are three partners, regardless of my role as team boss. Mercedes is my life."
Ecclestone criticises Hamilton's activism
© Reuters
Bernie Ecclestone does not agree with the way Lewis Hamilton handled his political activism in 2020.
The former F1 supremo has already clashed with new seven time world champion Hamilton this year over his involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement.
"There's obviously no doubt about his talent," 90-year-old Ecclestone told La Stampa newspaper. "The results he has achieved speak for themselves.
"But outside of the track, he did a number of things badly. He could have achieved a lot more behind the scenes if he had been more quiet."
In the same interview, Ecclestone courted more controversy by doubting whether Charles Leclerc will be able to lead Ferrari's F1 revival from the cockpit.
"He is doing well in the sport and he will continue to do well," he said. "But I still don't think we will see anything special from him in the future."
As for the sport more generally, Ecclestone admitted: "The Formula 1 during the Alain Prost and Niki Lauda years was more my thing.
"Back then, it was the drivers who were behind the wheel, while today everything is done from the pitwall."
More news from Formula 1:
Lewis Hamilton crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year
The 35-year-old claimed his seventh Formula One title this year. Read more.
A look at Lewis Hamilton's rise from humble beginnings to world star
Lewis Hamilton was on Sunday crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the second time. Read more.
Verstappen not as good as Hamilton yet - Webber
Max Verstappen is not yet as good as seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Read more.
Perez arrival 'will make Verstappen nervous'
The arrival of Sergio Perez at Red Bull "will make Max nervous". Read more.
Ferrari wants third place in 'transitional' 2021
Ferrari is targeting third place in the 2021 world championship. Read more.
Alexander Albon "hurt" to be dropped by Red Bull
Alexander Albon will serve as a reserve driver in 2021. Read more.
Schumacher to get two years at Haas - Binotto
Mick Schumacher will get at least two years to settle in at Haas, according to Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto. Read more.
Lewis Hamilton claims to have found his compass after SPOTY win
Lewis Hamilton claimed the BBC prize after winning his seventh Formula One title while campaigning against discrimination. Read more.
F1 won't be back to 'normal' in 2021 - Todt
Jean Todt has played down expectations that Formula 1 might get back to "normal" in 2021. Read more.
Barcelona to sign one-year F1 deal for 2021
Spanish GP host Barcelona will sign a one-year contract extension for 2021 and then discuss the longer-term future with new F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Read more.
