The Sauber name will disappear from the Formula One grid this season after the Swiss-based team announced on Friday it had been renamed Alfa Romeo Racing as part of an extended sponsorship deal.

The team, who finished eighth out of 10 in the constructors' championship last year, will remain under the same independent ownership and management with Frenchman Frederic Vasseur as principal.

Sauber made their Formula One debut as a privately-owned team in 1993, taking their sole victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix while racing as BMW's factory team.

They have been partnered by Fiat Chrysler brand Alfa Romeo since last year.

The team use the same engines as Ferrari, with whom they have close ties, and have Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi in an all-new driver lineup for 2019.

Alfa Romeo has a strong heritage in Formula One with the first two world championships in 1950 and 1951 won by Italian Giuseppe "Nino" Farina and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in cars carrying the four-leaf clover emblem.

Ferrari's late founder Enzo also started out racing and managing a team for Alfa Romeo, before setting up on his own in the late 1930s.

Founded in 1910, Alfa Romeo supplied Formula One engines in the 1960s and 1970s and returned as a constructor in 1979 before again withdrawing at the end of 1985.&nbsp;

The Sauber name will disappear from the Formula One grid this season after the Swiss-based team announced on Friday it had been renamed Alfa Romeo Racing as part of an extended sponsorship deal.

The Sauber name will disappear from the Formula One grid this season after the Swiss-based team announced on Friday it had been renamed Alfa Romeo Racing as part of an extended sponsorship deal. The team, who finished eighth out of 10 in the constructors' championship last year, will remain under the same independent ownership and management with Frenchman Frederic Vasseur as principal. Sauber made their Formula One debut as a privately-owned team in 1993, taking their sole victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix while racing as BMW's factory team. They have been partnered by Fiat Chrysler brand Alfa Romeo since last year. The team use the same engines as Ferrari, with whom they have close ties, and have Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi in an all-new driver lineup for 2019. Alfa Romeo has a strong heritage in Formula One with the first two world championships in 1950 and 1951 won by Italian Giuseppe "Nino" Farina and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in cars carrying the four-leaf clover emblem. Ferrari's late founder Enzo also started out racing and managing a team for Alfa Romeo, before setting up on his own in the late 1930s. Founded in 1910, Alfa Romeo supplied Formula One engines in the 1960s and 1970s and returned as a constructor in 1979 before again withdrawing at the end of 1985.

Sauber F1 team changes name to Alfa Romeo Racing

Five times Formula One world champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-was-a-poor-place-yet-we-had-this-massive-beautiful-grand-prix-track-made-hamilton-177264">Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments</a> about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States.

"I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC.

"I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix."

The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments.

Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474">Mr</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474"> Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive</a>

"My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter.

"They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need.

"When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Please read 🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/UtXRvcP74A">pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1063030144347070464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context".

"He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions.

"He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion."

India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13.

All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull.

The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams.

The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix. The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States. "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC. "I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix." The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments. Opinion: Mr Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive "My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter. "They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need. "When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month. Please read 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2018 × Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context". "He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions. "He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion." India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13. All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull. The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams. The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Lewis Hamilton clarifies 'poor' India comments

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-amazing-team-family-after-winning-f1-title-174094">Lewis Hamilton</a> said here Thursday, after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship</a> in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

"I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday.

After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said.

Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running.

Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team. "I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said. Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running. Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

'Job isn't done yet,' says F1 champ Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end.

The Briton would have wrapped up matters at the US&nbsp;Grand Prix had he beaten Sebastian Vettel by eight points but fell short, finishing third with the Ferrari driver fourth.

He will now have to wait until Mexico next weekend for another shot at becoming only the third driver to win five titles or more.

Mercedes did not help his cause with a strategy that left him having to pit twice, against rivals stopping only once, but Hamilton also admitted he had played it safe with so much at stake.

The finishing positions still made the ultimate goal a foregone conclusion with the Mercedes driver needing only to finish seventh in Mexico even if Vettel -- who cannot afford to drop another point -- wins.

"Honestly I was trying to win the race but you look at the two guys next to me, they’re not fighting for a championship so I had to be very, very careful how I navigated around them," said Hamilton, appearing at the podium news conference with Ferrari's race winner Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

"Championships are not won by fighting and making silly mistakes," added the Briton, who had started on pole position and arrived in Austin on the back of four wins in a row and six out of the last seven.

Hamilton had been nose to tail with Verstappen in the closing laps and made his move with two to go.

Given the young Dutchman's reputation for tough defending, he made sure he left plenty of space, however, and failed to make the move stick.

"I gave him way too much space just to be sure that I didn’t get clipped, for example, didn’t get taken out because I didn’t know if you would understeer into me or could be aggressive," said the Briton.

Verstappen had collided with Vettel at the previous race in Japan, sending the German spinning down to 19th before he fought back to sixth.

Hamilton said he would have behaved far more aggressively had the battle been with Vettel rather than Verstappen, who had nothing to lose.

"The key was that I at least finished ahead of Seb and for me it doesn’t matter when you win the championship as long as you get it done," he said.

"Ultimately we wanted to win the race today and I think going backwards two steps is not a good result but...you can’t win them all, you can’t always get them perfect."

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end.

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end. The Briton would have wrapped up matters at the US Grand Prix had he beaten Sebastian Vettel by eight points but fell short, finishing third with the Ferrari driver fourth. He will now have to wait until Mexico next weekend for another shot at becoming only the third driver to win five titles or more. Mercedes did not help his cause with a strategy that left him having to pit twice, against rivals stopping only once, but Hamilton also admitted he had played it safe with so much at stake. The finishing positions still made the ultimate goal a foregone conclusion with the Mercedes driver needing only to finish seventh in Mexico even if Vettel -- who cannot afford to drop another point -- wins. "Honestly I was trying to win the race but you look at the two guys next to me, they’re not fighting for a championship so I had to be very, very careful how I navigated around them," said Hamilton, appearing at the podium news conference with Ferrari's race winner Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. "Championships are not won by fighting and making silly mistakes," added the Briton, who had started on pole position and arrived in Austin on the back of four wins in a row and six out of the last seven. Hamilton had been nose to tail with Verstappen in the closing laps and made his move with two to go. Given the young Dutchman's reputation for tough defending, he made sure he left plenty of space, however, and failed to make the move stick. "I gave him way too much space just to be sure that I didn’t get clipped, for example, didn’t get taken out because I didn’t know if you would understeer into me or could be aggressive," said the Briton. Verstappen had collided with Vettel at the previous race in Japan, sending the German spinning down to 19th before he fought back to sixth. Hamilton said he would have behaved far more aggressively had the battle been with Vettel rather than Verstappen, who had nothing to lose. "The key was that I at least finished ahead of Seb and for me it doesn’t matter when you win the championship as long as you get it done," he said. "Ultimately we wanted to win the race today and I think going backwards two steps is not a good result but...you can’t win them all, you can’t always get them perfect."

Formula One: You can't win them all, says patient Hamilton

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a ride to his counterpart President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi along Formula 1 circuit in Sochi on Wednesday evening after their talks.

The vehicle for the president was provided by the Russian car company Aurus, whose limousine carried Putin during his inauguration in May.

Then it was the first public outing of the new limousine, part of the "Kortezh" series of cars which is also expected to include a sedan, a minivan and an off-road vehicle.

Under development since 2012, the limousine is produced by a Russian research institute known by the acronym NAMI, and will be distributed in partnership with Russian carmaker Sollers.

The new limousine is set to become the heir to the Russian-made ZIL sedans that for decades transported Soviet leaders.

Sisi is in Russia for a three-day visit during which the leaders of the two countries are expected discuss broadening of Russian-Egyptian cooperation and exchange opinions on the issues of the international agenda.

He held a meeting with Putin in Sochi on Wednesday where the two leaders signing a strategic agreement. The deal "opens up a new chapter in our cooperation" and "will take it towards new horizons," Sisi said after signing of the agreement.

Putin said the talks "were held in a business-like and constructive atmosphere".

The leaders "discussed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations as well as key international and regional problems," he said.

Kremlin had earlier announced that the two presidents would discuss the resumption of direct charter flights from Russia to the resort towns Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. Russian flag carrier Aeroflot restarted flights to Egypt's capital Cairo in April.

The talks were, however, overshadowed by an attack on a college in Crimea in which at least 17 were killed and more than 40 injured.

Moscow initially described as it a "terrorist attack" before investigators reclassified it as a mass shooting.

Investigators said the shooting was carried out by a teenage student who killed himself. &nbsp;

Putin called for a minute's silence for the victims.

Russia is a key trading partner for Egypt, which is a main regional US ally and the most populous country in the Arab world.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a ride to his counterpart President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi along Formula 1 circuit in Sochi on Wednesday evening after their talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a ride to his counterpart President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi along Formula 1 circuit in Sochi on Wednesday evening after their talks. The vehicle for the president was provided by the Russian car company Aurus, whose limousine carried Putin during his inauguration in May. Then it was the first public outing of the new limousine, part of the "Kortezh" series of cars which is also expected to include a sedan, a minivan and an off-road vehicle. Under development since 2012, the limousine is produced by a Russian research institute known by the acronym NAMI, and will be distributed in partnership with Russian carmaker Sollers. The new limousine is set to become the heir to the Russian-made ZIL sedans that for decades transported Soviet leaders. Sisi is in Russia for a three-day visit during which the leaders of the two countries are expected discuss broadening of Russian-Egyptian cooperation and exchange opinions on the issues of the international agenda. He held a meeting with Putin in Sochi on Wednesday where the two leaders signing a strategic agreement. The deal "opens up a new chapter in our cooperation" and "will take it towards new horizons," Sisi said after signing of the agreement. Putin said the talks "were held in a business-like and constructive atmosphere". The leaders "discussed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations as well as key international and regional problems," he said. Kremlin had earlier announced that the two presidents would discuss the resumption of direct charter flights from Russia to the resort towns Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. Russian flag carrier Aeroflot restarted flights to Egypt's capital Cairo in April. The talks were, however, overshadowed by an attack on a college in Crimea in which at least 17 were killed and more than 40 injured. Moscow initially described as it a "terrorist attack" before investigators reclassified it as a mass shooting. Investigators said the shooting was carried out by a teenage student who killed himself. Putin called for a minute's silence for the victims. Russia is a key trading partner for Egypt, which is a main regional US ally and the most populous country in the Arab world. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Putin gives President Sisi a ride around F-1 circuit in Sochi

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.

A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest.

"Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many.

The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing.

"I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said.

"And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets."

Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements.

Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races.

Sunday was&nbsp;Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91.

Hamilton&nbsp;has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year.

Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155.

Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006.&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons.

A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes.

There, the win figures are 49 for&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;(so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton&nbsp;is ahead 77-66.

Hamilton&nbsp;has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old.

Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before&nbsp;Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare.

Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week.

Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup.

Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari.

Hamilton&nbsp;is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already. The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg. A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest. "Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many. The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing. "I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said. "And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets." Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements. Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races. Sunday was Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91. Hamilton has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year. Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155. Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006. Hamilton has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons. A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes. There, the win figures are 49 for Hamilton (so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton is ahead 77-66. Hamilton has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old. Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare. Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week. Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup. Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari. Hamilton is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

Lewis Hamilton is stepping into Michael Schumacher territory

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes.

Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, was trying to pass the young Dutch driver for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Instead, they made contact, with Vettel spun around. He resumed in 19th place with a damaged car.

Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action.

Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for forcing Vettel's team mate Kimi Raikkonen off the track earlier in the race and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops.

Vettel, who was back to 11th by lap 24 of 53, is 50 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton with just four races remaining after Sunday.

Hamilton was leading from pole position.

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes.

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, was trying to pass the young Dutch driver for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner. Instead, they made contact, with Vettel spun around. He resumed in 19th place with a damaged car. Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action. Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for forcing Vettel's team mate Kimi Raikkonen off the track earlier in the race and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops. Vettel, who was back to 11th by lap 24 of 53, is 50 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton with just four races remaining after Sunday. Hamilton was leading from pole position.

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen collide in Japan

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty.

If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second.

"We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position.

The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians.

Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-vettel-and-max-verstappen-collide-in-japan-169944">collided with Verstappen</a> while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Vettel spun around and resumed at the back.

Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action.

Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops.

"The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen.

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp.

"I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car. Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty. If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second. "We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position. The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher. Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, collided with Verstappen while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner. Vettel spun around and resumed at the back. Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action. Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops. "The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen. Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp. "I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Japan, Vettel sixth

Formula One racing team Haas announced on Friday that it will keep French driver Romain Grosjean and Dane Kevin Magnussen as their lead drivers for the 2019 season. 
 
In a statement issued minutes before the start of the first free practice for the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom, Haas confirmed that it would be continuing with the Grosjean-Magnussen duo. 
 
"From the very beginning, we needed experienced drivers to hasten the development of our car and our team, and we have two very good and experienced drivers in Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen", Haas Director Guenther Steiner. "We've improved drastically from last year to this year, so retaining both drivers was a pretty easy decision". 
 
Grosjean joined Haas in 2016, while Magnussen was signed a year later. 
 
In its third season in the championship, Haas is currently placed 5th in the constructor standings with 76 points.

Formula One racing team Haas announced on Friday that it will keep French driver Romain Grosjean and Dane Kevin Magnussen as their lead drivers for the 2019 season.

Formula One racing team Haas announced on Friday that it will keep French driver Romain Grosjean and Dane Kevin Magnussen as their lead drivers for the 2019 season. In a statement issued minutes before the start of the first free practice for the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom, Haas confirmed that it would be continuing with the Grosjean-Magnussen duo. "From the very beginning, we needed experienced drivers to hasten the development of our car and our team, and we have two very good and experienced drivers in Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen", Haas Director Guenther Steiner. "We've improved drastically from last year to this year, so retaining both drivers was a pretty easy decision". Grosjean joined Haas in 2016, while Magnussen was signed a year later. In its third season in the championship, Haas is currently placed 5th in the constructor standings with 76 points.

Haas retains Grosjean, Magnussen for 2019 season

Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton set a Formula One record of 28 successive scoring finishes on Sunday but was in no mood for celebrating.

"I was in no man`s land today. I had no pace so I was just trying to hold on for whatever I had," the Mercedes driver told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.

"I had the older tyre on and I was running out of it."

The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth after a 10 second penalty was applied to Red Bull`s Max Verstappen.

That allowed him to cut Sebastian Vettel`s overall lead from 17 points to nine, with the Ferrari driver finishing only eighth.

"Obviously it`s a tough battle ahead of us. I would say on my side but also us as a team, we`ve been underperforming," said Hamilton.

"Yesterday and today have been a disaster on my side so I have got to try and rectify that and get myself back into normal performance mode, otherwise more valuable points will be lost," said Hamilton.

The Briton had also said in Bahrain last weekend, when he finished third after starting ninth, that he had felt he was driving around in no-man`s land.

But he arrived in Shanghai with an envious record, winner an unprecedented five times at a Chinese circuit that has long favoured Mercedes.

Hamilton was never a force to reckon with this time, however, qualifying only fourth and losing a place immediately at the start.

With Red Bull`s Daniel Ricciardo winning the race, champions Mercedes have now been beaten three races in a row for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

Hamilton could at least depend on his car`s impressive reliability, collecting points for the 28th race in a row and claiming outright a record he had previously held jointly with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen.

The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth

Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton set a Formula One record of 28 successive scoring finishes on Sunday but was in no mood for celebrating. "I was in no man`s land today. I had no pace so I was just trying to hold on for whatever I had," the Mercedes driver told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix. "I had the older tyre on and I was running out of it." The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth after a 10 second penalty was applied to Red Bull`s Max Verstappen. That allowed him to cut Sebastian Vettel`s overall lead from 17 points to nine, with the Ferrari driver finishing only eighth. "Obviously it`s a tough battle ahead of us. I would say on my side but also us as a team, we`ve been underperforming," said Hamilton. "Yesterday and today have been a disaster on my side so I have got to try and rectify that and get myself back into normal performance mode, otherwise more valuable points will be lost," said Hamilton. The Briton had also said in Bahrain last weekend, when he finished third after starting ninth, that he had felt he was driving around in no-man`s land. But he arrived in Shanghai with an envious record, winner an unprecedented five times at a Chinese circuit that has long favoured Mercedes. Hamilton was never a force to reckon with this time, however, qualifying only fourth and losing a place immediately at the start. With Red Bull`s Daniel Ricciardo winning the race, champions Mercedes have now been beaten three races in a row for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. Hamilton could at least depend on his car`s impressive reliability, collecting points for the 28th race in a row and claiming outright a record he had previously held jointly with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen.

Motor racing: Hamilton takes a record but still in no-man's land

The long-standing practice of female models in Formula 1 would be replaced with &quot;grid kids,&quot; Formula One announced Monday.

Female models used to be featured before the start of every grand prix holding drivers&#39; numbers but&nbsp;the practice had been criticised.

Owner of Formula one, Liberty Media, also denounced the practice, calling it at odds with modern-day societal norms.

The sport&#39;s owners said in a statement that the new arrangement, in partnership with the governing FIA, would &quot;make the pre-race ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, especially the younger ones&quot;.

The &quot;grid kids scheme&quot; would begin with the season&#39;s opening F1&nbsp;race in Australia on March 25.

F1 said authorities would select kids from the junior motor racing categories. The selections would be based on merit or lottery.

Formula One said the new arrangement would 'make the pre-race ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, especially the younger ones'

The long-standing practice of female models in Formula 1 would be replaced with "grid kids," Formula One announced Monday. Female models used to be featured before the start of every grand prix holding drivers' numbers but the practice had been criticised. Owner of Formula one, Liberty Media, also denounced the practice, calling it at odds with modern-day societal norms. The sport's owners said in a statement that the new arrangement, in partnership with the governing FIA, would "make the pre-race ceremony more relevant and interesting for fans, especially the younger ones". The "grid kids scheme" would begin with the season's opening F1 race in Australia on March 25. F1 said authorities would select kids from the junior motor racing categories. The selections would be based on merit or lottery.

After it drops 'grid girls', F1 says it will use 'grid kids'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/as-india-unveils-budget-all-eyes-on-fiscal-deficit-target-31386">As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target</a>

Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-officer-detained-for-leaking-info-allegedly-to-pakistan-spy-31388">IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy</a>

A team of the IAF&#39;s central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-abolishes-grid-girls-31391">Formula One ends use of &#39;grid girls&#39;</a>

F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was &#39;clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms&#39;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-budget-less-transparent-bangladeshs-is-better-notes-anti-corruption-watchdog-31385">Indian budget &#39;incomprehensible&#39; to citizens: Transparency International</a>

The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/letter-from-trump-prompts-african-leaders-to-refrain-from-criticising-him-31392">&#39;Shithole&#39; countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa</a>

African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As India unveils budget today, all eyes on fiscal deficit target Facing discontent over falling farm incomes and a backlash following policy initiatives that have dented growth, Prime Minister Modi will be aiming to woo rural voters and small business owners. IAF officer detained for leaking information allegedly to Pakistani woman spy A team of the IAF's central security and investigation took the officer into custody, and currently, he is being interrogated. Formula One ends use of 'grid girls' F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was 'clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms'. Indian budget 'incomprehensible' to citizens: Transparency International The anti-corruption watchdog noted on Wednesday the fact that less transparency would trigger severe economic problems. 'Shithole' countries: Trump writes letter saying he respects Africa African leaders say they have decided, after the letter, to refrain from issuing a resolution criticising Trump.

WION Morning News Brief, January 31, 2018

Federation Internationale de l&#39;Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt has said that Ferrari would suffer if it followed through on its threat of quitting Formula One.

Earlier, Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne had threatened to quit F1 racing if its new owner Liberty Media continued to press on over new engine rules.

It should be noted that Liberty Media had announced several changes to the engine regulations aimed at cost reduction.

Though Marchionne agreed with the cost-cutting reasons, he stated that there were other strategic issues that could force Ferrari to think over racing elsewhere.

However, Todt, who led Ferrari through the ultra-successful Michael Schumacher era, insisted that the FIA would not be swayed by the Italian team&#39;s threats to quit F1.

&quot;That&#39;s their choice. We do not want any manufacturers to leave the sport. Ferrari is an icon and it is unique, and it would be very painful if they were not in Formula One anymore. But that&#39;s not my responsibility,&quot; Sport24 quoted Todt, as saying.

The FIA president further believes the decision to sell F1&#39;s commercial rights to Liberty Media a year ago was &quot;right&quot; and that the sport is in good hands now.&quot; Chase Carey is a great CEO and I recognise a structured organisation with real professionals like Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches. The sport is in good hands,&quot; Todt said.

Ferrari is the only team to have competed in the Formula One World Championship continuously since its inception in 1950.

Jose Froilan Gonzalez gave the team its first F1 victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix. Also, it has been established that Monaco Grand Prix and Ferrari are the two central pillars of Formula One racing and that their current share of the revenues reflects that special status.&nbsp;

Earlier, Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne had threatened to quit F1 racing if its new owner Liberty Media continued to press on over new engine rules

Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt has said that Ferrari would suffer if it followed through on its threat of quitting Formula One. Earlier, Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne had threatened to quit F1 racing if its new owner Liberty Media continued to press on over new engine rules. It should be noted that Liberty Media had announced several changes to the engine regulations aimed at cost reduction. Though Marchionne agreed with the cost-cutting reasons, he stated that there were other strategic issues that could force Ferrari to think over racing elsewhere. However, Todt, who led Ferrari through the ultra-successful Michael Schumacher era, insisted that the FIA would not be swayed by the Italian team's threats to quit F1. "That's their choice. We do not want any manufacturers to leave the sport. Ferrari is an icon and it is unique, and it would be very painful if they were not in Formula One anymore. But that's not my responsibility," Sport24 quoted Todt, as saying. The FIA president further believes the decision to sell F1's commercial rights to Liberty Media a year ago was "right" and that the sport is in good hands now." Chase Carey is a great CEO and I recognise a structured organisation with real professionals like Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches. The sport is in good hands," Todt said. Ferrari is the only team to have competed in the Formula One World Championship continuously since its inception in 1950. Jose Froilan Gonzalez gave the team its first F1 victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix. Also, it has been established that Monaco Grand Prix and Ferrari are the two central pillars of Formula One racing and that their current share of the revenues reflects that special status.

Ferrari can choose to quit F1: FIA president

Lewis Hamilton blitzed his rivals in qualifying Saturday to secure pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion clocked the fastest lap ever recorded at the 5.543km circuit in 1min 32.850sec. His amazing drive eclipsed the pole position lap record for Sepang set by Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams way back in 2004.

But Hamilton still reckoned it wasn&#39;t perfect despite being more than four-tenths faster than Mercedes rival and championship leader Nico Rosberg.

&quot;I really enjoyed the lap. It could have been faster,&quot; said Hamilton, who has consistently outpaced his rival Rosberg all week.&nbsp;

It marks a welcome and timely return to form for the three-time world champion after his Mercedes teammate won the last three races to open up an eight-point title race lead.

Hamilton trailed Rosberg by 43 points after the first four races of a rollercoaster season, only to turn that into a 19-point lead. The hard-won advantage evaporated as the German sped to victory in Belgium, Italy and then Singapore two weeks ago.&nbsp;

&quot;This is definitely the best the car has been here,&quot; Hamilton told reporters. &quot;A huge thank you to the team, who continue through the whole year to improve,&quot; he added after his eighth pole position in 15 races so far this season. &nbsp;&quot;It&#39;s great work coming here after the last few weeks with Nico&#39;s wins,&quot; he said.

Rosberg&#39;s best lap was hampered by a wobble at the remodelled final hairpin turn 15, which now has a tricky negative camber to negotiate under braking. &quot;Lewis&#39;s lap was very quick so it was always going to be difficult,&quot; said Rosberg.&nbsp;

&quot;I would have been close, but unfortunately I made a mistake in the last corner.&quot;

Birthday boy

Third on the grid will be birthday boy Max Verstappen, who celebrated turning 19 on Friday before clocking 1:33.420 a day later, less than 0.2sec off the pace of Rosberg.&nbsp;

&quot;The whole weekend has been quite positive for me, we made some changes after Singapore that worked,&quot; said the teenager.&nbsp;Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo completes the second row of the grid for Sunday&#39;s race.

Next comes the Ferrari of four-time Malaysia victor Sebastian Vettel and his teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Just two-tenths of a second separated the best lap times of the Red Bulls and Ferraris making for an intriguing battle in Sunday&#39;s race on a high-speed circuit that provides ample opportunities for overtaking.

The Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg completed the fourth row locked out by teammates by qualifying seventh and eighth. Jenson Button, in his 300th grand prix demonstrated the continual improvement of the McLaren by putting it in ninth place just ahead of Felipe Massa&#39;s Williams.

Button&#39;s McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso will start from last place after being penalised 45 grid places for fitting an upgraded engine for practice and exceeding his permitted number of power units for the season. &nbsp;

The Spanish two-time world champion will revert to the same engine as Button for the race with Honda debuting the new power unit at their home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend.

(AFP)

The British world champion was four-tenths faster than his Mercedes teammate and championship leader Nico Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton blitzed his rivals in qualifying Saturday to secure pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix. The reigning world champion clocked the fastest lap ever recorded at the 5.543km circuit in 1min 32.850sec. His amazing drive eclipsed the pole position lap record for Sepang set by Juan Pablo Montoya in a Williams way back in 2004. But Hamilton still reckoned it wasn't perfect despite being more than four-tenths faster than Mercedes rival and championship leader Nico Rosberg. "I really enjoyed the lap. It could have been faster," said Hamilton, who has consistently outpaced his rival Rosberg all week. It marks a welcome and timely return to form for the three-time world champion after his Mercedes teammate won the last three races to open up an eight-point title race lead. Hamilton trailed Rosberg by 43 points after the first four races of a rollercoaster season, only to turn that into a 19-point lead. The hard-won advantage evaporated as the German sped to victory in Belgium, Italy and then Singapore two weeks ago. "This is definitely the best the car has been here," Hamilton told reporters. "A huge thank you to the team, who continue through the whole year to improve," he added after his eighth pole position in 15 races so far this season. "It's great work coming here after the last few weeks with Nico's wins," he said. Rosberg's best lap was hampered by a wobble at the remodelled final hairpin turn 15, which now has a tricky negative camber to negotiate under braking. "Lewis's lap was very quick so it was always going to be difficult," said Rosberg. "I would have been close, but unfortunately I made a mistake in the last corner." Birthday boy Third on the grid will be birthday boy Max Verstappen, who celebrated turning 19 on Friday before clocking 1:33.420 a day later, less than 0.2sec off the pace of Rosberg. "The whole weekend has been quite positive for me, we made some changes after Singapore that worked," said the teenager. Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo completes the second row of the grid for Sunday's race. Next comes the Ferrari of four-time Malaysia victor Sebastian Vettel and his teammate Kimi Raikkonen. Just two-tenths of a second separated the best lap times of the Red Bulls and Ferraris making for an intriguing battle in Sunday's race on a high-speed circuit that provides ample opportunities for overtaking. The Force Indias of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg completed the fourth row locked out by teammates by qualifying seventh and eighth. Jenson Button, in his 300th grand prix demonstrated the continual improvement of the McLaren by putting it in ninth place just ahead of Felipe Massa's Williams. Button's McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso will start from last place after being penalised 45 grid places for fitting an upgraded engine for practice and exceeding his permitted number of power units for the season. The Spanish two-time world champion will revert to the same engine as Button for the race with Honda debuting the new power unit at their home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend. (AFP)

Malaysian GP: Lewis Hamilton bags pole after scorching lap

Team chief Maurizio Arrivabene shrugged off suggestions that Ferrari had chosen wrongly by adopting a two-stop strategy for Sunday&rsquo;s Italian Grand Prix with a laugh. 
 
The Italian boss said he was aware of criticism of the team after they finished third and fourth behind the two Mercedes. 
 
&ldquo;I was hearing some comments that maybe one stop was a better strategy,&quot; he said. &ldquo;I just laughed with our engineers about this&hellip; 
 
&ldquo;You have to protect yourself&nbsp;if you go for one stop. We were doing the opposite. &nbsp;We were aggressive. 
 
&ldquo;If we did the same strategy as them, we would be 11 seconds slower than we were &ndash; so, for us, we were on the faster strategy.&rdquo; 
 
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany came home third six seconds ahead of Finn Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 champion. 
 
Vettel said: &ldquo;We knew it would be tough against Mercedes and it was, but we did a great job, finished third and fourth, which is the optimum we could get. 
 
&ldquo;We had a different strategy. We had fresher tyres at the end, so it was expected that we would be quicker and catching up, but it was not enough to put them under pressure. 
 
&ldquo;We extracted our best race and it has been a while since that&#39;s been the case.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Maurizio Arrivabene and his team adopted a two-stop strategy; they finished third and fourth behind the two Mercedes

Team chief Maurizio Arrivabene shrugged off suggestions that Ferrari had chosen wrongly by adopting a two-stop strategy for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix with a laugh. The Italian boss said he was aware of criticism of the team after they finished third and fourth behind the two Mercedes. “I was hearing some comments that maybe one stop was a better strategy," he said. “I just laughed with our engineers about this… “You have to protect yourself if you go for one stop. We were doing the opposite. We were aggressive. “If we did the same strategy as them, we would be 11 seconds slower than we were – so, for us, we were on the faster strategy.” Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany came home third six seconds ahead of Finn Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 champion. Vettel said: “We knew it would be tough against Mercedes and it was, but we did a great job, finished third and fourth, which is the optimum we could get. “We had a different strategy. We had fresher tyres at the end, so it was expected that we would be quicker and catching up, but it was not enough to put them under pressure. “We extracted our best race and it has been a while since that's been the case." (AFP)

Ferrari boss laughs off Italian Grand Prix strategy criticism

German Nico Rosberg steered clear of the chaos unfolding behind him and cruised to an unchallenged win in a disrupted Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. 
 
His Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the world championship leader, finished third from the back row of the grid, behind Red Bull&#39;s Daniel Ricciardo. 
 
Rosberg started on pole and kept the lead after his main rivals, fellow front-row starter Max Verstappen and the Ferrari pair of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, collided at the first corner. 
 
That allowed Rosberg to run away at the front and he crossed the line 14.1 seconds ahead of Ricciardo. 
 
The race was briefly halted with nine of the 44 laps completed after a massive crash for Kevin Magnussen, who lost control of his Renault as he crested the fearsome Eau Rouge. 
 
The Dane, who was taken to hospital for routine checks after suffering a cut to his left ankle, slammed violently into the barriers, prompting officials to first deploy the safety car and then the red flag as marshals worked to repair the damage. 
 
&ldquo;In general, yes, I had everything under control,&rdquo; Rosberg told reporters. &ldquo;I just had an awesome car and Lewis wasn&rsquo;t there to battle it out, which made it a less difficult weekend.&rdquo; 
 
Sunday&rsquo;s win was the 20th of the Rosberg&rsquo;s career and sixth of the season. 
 
But it was the 31-year-old&rsquo;s first since June&rsquo;s European Grand Prix, reigniting his title challenge after a run of lacklustre races in which he steadily lost ground to Hamilton. 
 
The Briton, winner of six of the last seven races leading up to the Belgian round, still leads the championship but by a narrower nine-point margin with eight of a record 21 races still to run. 
 
The triple champion, who had gone into the weekend gunning to become only the third ever driver to score 50 career wins, was happy to come away with a podium finish. 
 
&ldquo;I honestly didn&rsquo;t know what was going to happen in the race,&rdquo; said Hamilton, whose rise up the order was helped by the opening lap collisions and race disruptions. 
 
&ldquo;I really can&rsquo;t believe we came so far up to be honest.&rdquo; Nico Hulkenberg, who ran as high as second at one stage, finished fourth for Force India. 
 
Team mate Sergio Perez was fifth, on a strong day for the Silverstone-based team that took them ahead of Williams into fourth in the constructors&rsquo; standings. 
 
Vettel fought back to finish sixth ahead of Fernando Alonso who also enjoyed a strong race having started dead last. 
 
Ferrari&rsquo;s Kimi Raikkonen, who had fallen one lap behind the leaders after the opening lap tangle, was ninth with Red Bull&#39;s Verstappen finishing a disappointing 11th.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished third after starting from the back row; Riccardio came in second

German Nico Rosberg steered clear of the chaos unfolding behind him and cruised to an unchallenged win in a disrupted Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. His Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the world championship leader, finished third from the back row of the grid, behind Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo. Rosberg started on pole and kept the lead after his main rivals, fellow front-row starter Max Verstappen and the Ferrari pair of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, collided at the first corner. That allowed Rosberg to run away at the front and he crossed the line 14.1 seconds ahead of Ricciardo. The race was briefly halted with nine of the 44 laps completed after a massive crash for Kevin Magnussen, who lost control of his Renault as he crested the fearsome Eau Rouge. The Dane, who was taken to hospital for routine checks after suffering a cut to his left ankle, slammed violently into the barriers, prompting officials to first deploy the safety car and then the red flag as marshals worked to repair the damage. “In general, yes, I had everything under control,” Rosberg told reporters. “I just had an awesome car and Lewis wasn’t there to battle it out, which made it a less difficult weekend.” Sunday’s win was the 20th of the Rosberg’s career and sixth of the season. But it was the 31-year-old’s first since June’s European Grand Prix, reigniting his title challenge after a run of lacklustre races in which he steadily lost ground to Hamilton. The Briton, winner of six of the last seven races leading up to the Belgian round, still leads the championship but by a narrower nine-point margin with eight of a record 21 races still to run. The triple champion, who had gone into the weekend gunning to become only the third ever driver to score 50 career wins, was happy to come away with a podium finish. “I honestly didn’t know what was going to happen in the race,” said Hamilton, whose rise up the order was helped by the opening lap collisions and race disruptions. “I really can’t believe we came so far up to be honest.” Nico Hulkenberg, who ran as high as second at one stage, finished fourth for Force India. Team mate Sergio Perez was fifth, on a strong day for the Silverstone-based team that took them ahead of Williams into fourth in the constructors’ standings. Vettel fought back to finish sixth ahead of Fernando Alonso who also enjoyed a strong race having started dead last. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who had fallen one lap behind the leaders after the opening lap tangle, was ninth with Red Bull's Verstappen finishing a disappointing 11th. (Reuters)

Rosberg eases to victory in chaotic Belgian GP

Germany&#39;s Nico Rosberg set the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday to seize pole position for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. 
 
The Mercedes driver lapped the 7-kilometre long Spa-Francorchamps circuit in one minute 46.744 seconds. 
 
Red Bull&rsquo;s Max Verstappen was second quickest and will start alongside the German on the front row for what is the closest the Dutchman has to a home race on the calendar. 
 
Four-times Belgium winner Kimi Raikkonen was third for Ferrari. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
World championship leader Lewis Hamilton, set to start last due to a 55-place engine-related grid penalty, drove only four laps at an easy pace and did not make it beyond the opening phase of qualifying. 
 
The Briton heads into the weekend gunning to become only the third driver to take 50 career wins. 
 
He has won six of the last seven races, four of those in succession, and leads Rosberg by 19 points in the standings. 
 
(Reuters)

Red Bull?s Max Verstappen was second-quickest, Kimi Raikkonen was third for Ferrari

Germany's Nico Rosberg set the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday to seize pole position for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver lapped the 7-kilometre long Spa-Francorchamps circuit in one minute 46.744 seconds. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was second quickest and will start alongside the German on the front row for what is the closest the Dutchman has to a home race on the calendar. Four-times Belgium winner Kimi Raikkonen was third for Ferrari. World championship leader Lewis Hamilton, set to start last due to a 55-place engine-related grid penalty, drove only four laps at an easy pace and did not make it beyond the opening phase of qualifying. The Briton heads into the weekend gunning to become only the third driver to take 50 career wins. He has won six of the last seven races, four of those in succession, and leads Rosberg by 19 points in the standings. (Reuters)

Nico Rosberg on pole for Belgian Grand Prix

Brazilian police said on Sunday they had rescued the kidnapped mother-in-law of British Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone unharmed after more than a month in captivity. 
 
Aparecida Schunck Flosi Palmeira -- the 67-year-old mother of Ecclestone&#39;s Brazilian wife Fabiana Flosi -- had been missing since she was kidnapped on June 22. 
 
Authorities said in a short statement she had been &quot;liberated&quot; and was &quot;unharmed,&quot; adding that they had arrested two suspects. 
 
Local Globo TV showed the woman hugging waiting relatives as she arrived at a Sao Paulo police station under police escort. 
 
A demand for a 168-million-Euro ($188 million) ransom, made to the family via e-mail, had not been paid, the O Estado de Sao Paulo daily reported. 
 
Police did not respond to AFP requests for information. 
 
Kidnappers posing as delivery men abducted her from her home in the Jardin Santa Helena area of southern Sao Paulo, neighbours told AFP last week. 
 
She is the mother of Ecclestone&#39;s 38-year-old Brazilian wife Fabiana Flosi, who met the 85-year-old billionaire while working for the Interlagos Grand Prix in 2009. 
 
The couple married in Switzerland and now live in London. 
 
Kidnappings were common in Brazil in the late 1990s and the early 2000s, but dropped with more intensive policing and the creation of a specialised anti-kidnapping department. 
 
Relatives of footballers were particularly targeted, including the mother of Brazilian international star Robinho in 2004. She was held for 41 days in the outskirts of Sao Paulo. 
 
(AFP)

Two suspects have been arrested, police said. A demand for a 168-million-Euro ransom had not been paid

Brazilian police said on Sunday they had rescued the kidnapped mother-in-law of British Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone unharmed after more than a month in captivity. Aparecida Schunck Flosi Palmeira -- the 67-year-old mother of Ecclestone's Brazilian wife Fabiana Flosi -- had been missing since she was kidnapped on June 22. Authorities said in a short statement she had been "liberated" and was "unharmed," adding that they had arrested two suspects. Local Globo TV showed the woman hugging waiting relatives as she arrived at a Sao Paulo police station under police escort. A demand for a 168-million-Euro ($188 million) ransom, made to the family via e-mail, had not been paid, the O Estado de Sao Paulo daily reported. Police did not respond to AFP requests for information. Kidnappers posing as delivery men abducted her from her home in the Jardin Santa Helena area of southern Sao Paulo, neighbours told AFP last week. She is the mother of Ecclestone's 38-year-old Brazilian wife Fabiana Flosi, who met the 85-year-old billionaire while working for the Interlagos Grand Prix in 2009. The couple married in Switzerland and now live in London. Kidnappings were common in Brazil in the late 1990s and the early 2000s, but dropped with more intensive policing and the creation of a specialised anti-kidnapping department. Relatives of footballers were particularly targeted, including the mother of Brazilian international star Robinho in 2004. She was held for 41 days in the outskirts of Sao Paulo. (AFP)

British Formula 1 boss Ecclestone's mother-in-law rescued after month-long captivity

Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg has signed a new contract that will keep him at Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton until the end of the 2018 season, the team said today. 
 
The team tweeted video of the 31-year-old German, runner up to Briton Hamilton in the championship for the last two years, signing the contract to race for the team in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. 
 
&quot;We are delighted to announce that the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has signed a two-year contract extension with Nico Rosberg for the 2017 and 2018 Formula One seasons,&quot; Mercedes later confirmed in a statement. 
 
&quot;Nico has been a core member of the Silver Arrows since the team returned to the sport in 2010 and has played a crucial role in the team&#39;s success in that time.&quot; 
 
Rosberg joined Mercedes from Williams in 2010 and has won 19 grand prix for the team, including five this year. He has helped Mercedes to the manufacturers title for the last two seasons.&nbsp;Three-times Formula One champion Hamilton signed a three-year deal with the team through to the end of the 2018 season in May last year.&nbsp;Rosberg holds a one-point lead over Hamilton in the drivers standings heading into this weekend&#39;s Hungarian Grand Prix, down from an imposing 43 points in May. 
 
The pair have exasperated team bosses with their on-track rivalry at times this season, particularly after they collided on the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix with the result that Rosberg finished fourth in a damaged car.&nbsp;The team said before the British Grand Prix earlier this month, however, that they would not impose &quot;team orders&quot; on their drivers. 
 
(Reuters)

Rosberg joined Mercedes from Williams in 2010 and has won 19 grands prix for the team, including five this year

Formula One championship leader Nico Rosberg has signed a new contract that will keep him at Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton until the end of the 2018 season, the team said today. The team tweeted video of the 31-year-old German, runner up to Briton Hamilton in the championship for the last two years, signing the contract to race for the team in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. "We are delighted to announce that the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has signed a two-year contract extension with Nico Rosberg for the 2017 and 2018 Formula One seasons," Mercedes later confirmed in a statement. "Nico has been a core member of the Silver Arrows since the team returned to the sport in 2010 and has played a crucial role in the team's success in that time." Rosberg joined Mercedes from Williams in 2010 and has won 19 grand prix for the team, including five this year. He has helped Mercedes to the manufacturers title for the last two seasons. Three-times Formula One champion Hamilton signed a three-year deal with the team through to the end of the 2018 season in May last year. Rosberg holds a one-point lead over Hamilton in the drivers standings heading into this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, down from an imposing 43 points in May. The pair have exasperated team bosses with their on-track rivalry at times this season, particularly after they collided on the last lap of the Austrian Grand Prix with the result that Rosberg finished fourth in a damaged car. The team said before the British Grand Prix earlier this month, however, that they would not impose "team orders" on their drivers. (Reuters)

Nico Rosberg signs deal to stay at Mercedes until 2018

Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton completed his domination of practice for Azerbaijan&#39;s first Formula One grand prix with the fastest time in Saturday&#39;s final session before qualifying. 
 
The Mercedes driver, who was fastest in both Friday practices at the Baku street circuit, lapped with a best time of one minute 44.352 seconds late in the session, slower than his best the previous day. 
 
Team mate and championship leader Nico Rosberg was second, with a timing that was 0.258 seconds slower. 
 
Force India&#39;s Nico Hulkenberg, who won the Le Mans 24-hours sportscar race this time last year but is unable to defend the title due to the calendar clash, was best of the rest on the timesheets. 
 
Hamilton was 1.188 seconds clear of Hulkenberg. 
 
The session was halted shortly before the scheduled finish when Hulkenberg&#39;s Mexican team mate Sergio Perez hit the wall at Turn 15, the same spot where Red Bull&#39;s Daniel Ricciardo crashed on Friday. Ricciardo was fourth on Saturday, ahead of Ferrari&#39;s Sebastian Vettel, Perez and the Australian&#39;s 18-year-old Dutch team mate Max Verstappen. 
 
Team workers modified the track overnight, removing kerbs that had lifted in Friday practice and moving the white lines at the pit lane entry. However, there was still a worrying moment when a loose drain cover flipped up in the pitlane after Valtteri Bottas&#39;s Williams passed over it. The car was damaged and returned to the garage while marshals placed a traffic cone in front of the hole. 
 
Some drivers, notably Rosberg and McLaren&#39;s Jenson Button, had complained about the lack of runoff areas and pitlane entry but they got short shrift from commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone. 
 
&quot;If they don&#39;t want to drive, they don&#39;t have to,&quot; said the 85-year-old. &quot;It&#39;s up to them. This is the circuit. If they don&#39;t like it, go home. One of them, I think Nico, was complaining about the speed into the pitlane. So I said to the people &#39;go and have a look and see if he&#39;s got a brake on the car&#39;. It&#39;s up to him how quick he is.&quot; 
(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

Has the fastest time on Saturday, and was fastest in both practice sessions on Friday

Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton completed his domination of practice for Azerbaijan's first Formula One grand prix with the fastest time in Saturday's final session before qualifying. The Mercedes driver, who was fastest in both Friday practices at the Baku street circuit, lapped with a best time of one minute 44.352 seconds late in the session, slower than his best the previous day. Team mate and championship leader Nico Rosberg was second, with a timing that was 0.258 seconds slower. Force India's Nico Hulkenberg, who won the Le Mans 24-hours sportscar race this time last year but is unable to defend the title due to the calendar clash, was best of the rest on the timesheets. Hamilton was 1.188 seconds clear of Hulkenberg. The session was halted shortly before the scheduled finish when Hulkenberg's Mexican team mate Sergio Perez hit the wall at Turn 15, the same spot where Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo crashed on Friday. Ricciardo was fourth on Saturday, ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Perez and the Australian's 18-year-old Dutch team mate Max Verstappen. Team workers modified the track overnight, removing kerbs that had lifted in Friday practice and moving the white lines at the pit lane entry. However, there was still a worrying moment when a loose drain cover flipped up in the pitlane after Valtteri Bottas's Williams passed over it. The car was damaged and returned to the garage while marshals placed a traffic cone in front of the hole. Some drivers, notably Rosberg and McLaren's Jenson Button, had complained about the lack of runoff areas and pitlane entry but they got short shrift from commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone. "If they don't want to drive, they don't have to," said the 85-year-old. "It's up to them. This is the circuit. If they don't like it, go home. One of them, I think Nico, was complaining about the speed into the pitlane. So I said to the people 'go and have a look and see if he's got a brake on the car'. It's up to him how quick he is." (Reuters)

Hamilton completes practice sweep in Baku

Formula One takes a step into the unknown this weekend with its first grand prix in Azerbaijan, but, triple world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes the race will take him back to familiar, successful territory. 
 
A win in Baku would not only complete a hat-trick of victories for the Briton but would also see him overtake Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg at the top of the standings for the first time this year. 
 
After winning the last two races in Monaco and Montreal, while championship leader Rosberg finished off the podium, Hamilton slashed the gap between them from 43 points to nine. 
 
If Hamilton makes it three in a row by winning a race billed as the &#39;European Grand Prix&#39;, Rosberg must finish second to avoid falling behind his rival, who has beaten him to the championship for the last two years. 
 
&quot;We need to try to keep on a roll if possible,&quot; Hamilton said after winning in Canada on Sunday for the fifth time. &quot;Onwards and upwards, hopefully.&quot; 
 
Rosberg, winner of the first four races of the season as well as the last three of 2015, needs to hit back in Baku. 
 
He won last season&#39;s &#39;new&#39; race, the Mexican Grand Prix that was returning for the first time since 1992, but Hamilton had just won his third title and taken his foot off the gas. 
 
&quot;Canada unfortunately didn&#39;t work out as planned. But that&#39;s how things go when you&#39;re pushing the limits and I&#39;m not going to change my approach or start backing down,&quot; said Rosberg after making a quick getaway from Montreal. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m in this championship battle to win it, not to settle for second best.&quot; 
 
While the spotlight remains on the fierce duel between the two Mercedes drivers, who have clashed on the opening lap twice in the last three races, the champions are no longer in a battle of their own. 
 
Ferrari and Red Bull have closed the performance gap and could be a real threat in Baku where the circuit has long straight and tight turns around the old city, a UNESCO world heritage site. 
 
&quot;The speed of both the Ferrari and Red Bull is pretty much where we are now,&quot; commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff after Ferrari&#39;s Sebastian Vettel made a lightning start in Canada and finished second. 
 
&quot;We are seeing the convergence of performance between teams that naturally comes with stable regulations, and that has made the competition tougher than ever.&quot; 
 
Formula One teams began setting up on Tuesday for a race that, despite campaigners calling for the sport to take a stance on human rights issues, has created a buzz throughout the paddock. 
 
&quot;It looks spectacular when you see what they have built up in downtown Baku, going through the old city,&quot; said Ferrari&#39;s track operations head Jock Clear. 
 
&quot;It looks a very exciting circuit. The stuff we&rsquo;ve done on simulators and the photographs we&rsquo;ve seen, it looks like it&rsquo;s going to be a great place to race. I think both drivers are really up for that kind of street circuit.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Formula One takes a step into the unknown this weekend with its first grand prix in Azerbaijan, but, triple world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes the race will take him back to familiar, successful territory. A win in Baku would not only complete a hat-trick of victories for the Briton but would also see him overtake Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg at the top of the standings for the first time this year. After winning the last two races in Monaco and Montreal, while championship leader Rosberg finished off the podium, Hamilton slashed the gap between them from 43 points to nine. If Hamilton makes it three in a row by winning a race billed as the 'European Grand Prix', Rosberg must finish second to avoid falling behind his rival, who has beaten him to the championship for the last two years. "We need to try to keep on a roll if possible," Hamilton said after winning in Canada on Sunday for the fifth time. "Onwards and upwards, hopefully." Rosberg, winner of the first four races of the season as well as the last three of 2015, needs to hit back in Baku. He won last season's 'new' race, the Mexican Grand Prix that was returning for the first time since 1992, but Hamilton had just won his third title and taken his foot off the gas. "Canada unfortunately didn't work out as planned. But that's how things go when you're pushing the limits and I'm not going to change my approach or start backing down," said Rosberg after making a quick getaway from Montreal. "I'm in this championship battle to win it, not to settle for second best." While the spotlight remains on the fierce duel between the two Mercedes drivers, who have clashed on the opening lap twice in the last three races, the champions are no longer in a battle of their own. Ferrari and Red Bull have closed the performance gap and could be a real threat in Baku where the circuit has long straight and tight turns around the old city, a UNESCO world heritage site. "The speed of both the Ferrari and Red Bull is pretty much where we are now," commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel made a lightning start in Canada and finished second. "We are seeing the convergence of performance between teams that naturally comes with stable regulations, and that has made the competition tougher than ever." Formula One teams began setting up on Tuesday for a race that, despite campaigners calling for the sport to take a stance on human rights issues, has created a buzz throughout the paddock. "It looks spectacular when you see what they have built up in downtown Baku, going through the old city," said Ferrari's track operations head Jock Clear. "It looks a very exciting circuit. The stuff we’ve done on simulators and the photographs we’ve seen, it looks like it’s going to be a great place to race. I think both drivers are really up for that kind of street circuit." (Reuters)

Hamilton hoping for a hat-trick in Baku

formula-1

Formula 1, News on Formula 1, stories on Formula 1, articles on Formula 1, Formula 1 stories at Wion, Formula 1 news, Formula 1 latest news

formula 1