McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business.

The 2020 world championship has been unable to start with eight races of a scheduled 22 already either scrapped or postponed.

"This is potentially devastating to teams, and if (it is devastating) to enough teams then it's very threatening to F1 as a whole," Brown told the BBC on the eve of a meeting planned to discuss cost-cutting in the sport.

Brown insisted that all the teams have agreed to lower the 2021 budget cap to $150m (138.7 million euros) down from $175 million.

However, he said the ceiling needs to be reduced further to counter the financial fall-out from the virus-hit season.

"Could I see -- through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively -- two teams disappearing? Yeah," said Brown.

"In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way.

"And then, given how long it takes to ramp up an F1 team, and given the economic and health crisis we are in right now, to think there would be people lined up to take over those teams like there has historically been... I don't think the timing could be worse from that standpoint.

"So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment." 
&nbsp;

McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business.

McLaren boss Zak Brown said Sunday that the coronavirus pandemic has plunged Formula One into "a very fragile state", warning that as many as four teams could even be driven out of business. The 2020 world championship has been unable to start with eight races of a scheduled 22 already either scrapped or postponed. "This is potentially devastating to teams, and if (it is devastating) to enough teams then it's very threatening to F1 as a whole," Brown told the BBC on the eve of a meeting planned to discuss cost-cutting in the sport. Brown insisted that all the teams have agreed to lower the 2021 budget cap to $150m (138.7 million euros) down from $175 million. However, he said the ceiling needs to be reduced further to counter the financial fall-out from the virus-hit season. "Could I see -- through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively -- two teams disappearing? Yeah," said Brown. "In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way. "And then, given how long it takes to ramp up an F1 team, and given the economic and health crisis we are in right now, to think there would be people lined up to take over those teams like there has historically been... I don't think the timing could be worse from that standpoint. "So I think F1 is in a very fragile state at the moment."

Formula One in 'very fragile state', warns McLaren boss Brown

Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the latest victim of the novel coronavirus. The Formula One race was set to take place on June 7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-drivers-to-stage-virtual-reality-races-287656">F1 drivers to stage virtual reality races</a>

Azerbaijan GP has become the eighth country in this year's Formula One championship to call of the race, previously, Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco had decided to suspend the event due to the accelerating global pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-dutch-and-spanish-grands-prix-postponed-whereas-monaco-race-called-off-287492">F1: Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix postponed whereas Monaco race called off</a>

The organisers (Azerbaijan GP) of the race released a statement which said: "This comes as a direct result of the global Covid-19 pandemic and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-australian-grand-prix-cancelled-as-mclaren-team-member-tested-positive-for-covid-19-286014">Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19</a>

"The primary concern has been the health and wellbeing of the Azerbaijani people as well as all visiting fans, staff and championship participants," they added.&nbsp;

The Canadian GP, which is set to take place on June 14 in Montreal, is likely to be called off too as the country is tightening its restriction on travel into the country. Canada became the first country to pull out its athletes from the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The Formula One chief executive, Chase Carey, predicted that more races were likely to be hit. "We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements," he said.

"Nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer, with a revised calendar of between 15-18 races."

Carey foresees the season to extend beyond November. “We anticipate the season will extend beyond our original end date of 27-29 November, with the actual sequence and schedule dates for races differing significantly from our original calendar,” he said.

If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the latest victim of the novel coronavirus. The Formula One race was set to take place on June 7. Also read: F1 drivers to stage virtual reality races Azerbaijan GP has become the eighth country in this year's Formula One championship to call of the race, previously, Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco had decided to suspend the event due to the accelerating global pandemic.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the latest victim of the novel coronavirus. The Formula One race was set to take place on June 7. Also read: F1 drivers to stage virtual reality races Azerbaijan GP has become the eighth country in this year's Formula One championship to call of the race, previously, Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco had decided to suspend the event due to the accelerating global pandemic. Also read: F1: Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix postponed whereas Monaco race called off The organisers (Azerbaijan GP) of the race released a statement which said: "This comes as a direct result of the global Covid-19 pandemic and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities." Also read: Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19 "The primary concern has been the health and wellbeing of the Azerbaijani people as well as all visiting fans, staff and championship participants," they added. The Canadian GP, which is set to take place on June 14 in Montreal, is likely to be called off too as the country is tightening its restriction on travel into the country. Canada became the first country to pull out its athletes from the Tokyo Olympics. The Formula One chief executive, Chase Carey, predicted that more races were likely to be hit. "We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements," he said. "Nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer, with a revised calendar of between 15-18 races." Carey foresees the season to extend beyond November. “We anticipate the season will extend beyond our original end date of 27-29 November, with the actual sequence and schedule dates for races differing significantly from our original calendar,” he said. If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

Formula One: Azerbaijan GP becomes eighth race to get cancelled

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-australian-grand-prix-cancelled-as-mclaren-team-member-tested-positive-for-covid-19-286014">Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19</a>

Earlier, Bahrain, Chinese and Vietnamese Grands Prix were postponed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/season-opening-australian-f1-in-chaos-as-mclaren-pulls-out-285901" hreflang="en">Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out</a>

The Dutch Grand Prix was set to return to the calendar year of the championship for the first time since 1985. The race was supposed to take place in Zandvoort circuit on May 1-3, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix.&nbsp;

Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled as the organisers said that the situation was "no longer tenable". 
&nbsp; 
A statement from the race organisers, Automobile Club de Monaco read: "The current situation concerning the worldwide pandemic and its unknown path of evolution, the lack of understanding as to the impact on the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, the uncertainty with regards to the participation of the teams, the consequences with regards to the differing measures of confinement as taken by various governments worldwide, the multi-border restrictions for accessing the Principality of Monaco, the pressure on all implicated businesses, their dedicated staff who are unable to undertake the necessary installations, the availability of the indispensable workforce and volunteers (more than 1500) required for the success of the event means that the situation is no longer tenable.

They went on to apologise to the fans, spectators and partners for cancelling the much-awaited race of the year.&nbsp;

They said: "To all the fans, spectators, partners and our members, the Board of Directors wishes to express its sincere regrets that these two events cannot be postponed and under no circumstances, will it be possible to organize these events later this year."

If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race.

With the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, coronavirus pandemic has slowed down this year's Formula One championship after the Dutch and Spanish have been postponed whereas Monaco Grand Prix organisers have called off the race. Also read: Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19 Earlier, Bahrain, Chinese and Vietnamese Grands Prix were postponed. Also read: Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out The Dutch Grand Prix was set to return to the calendar year of the championship for the first time since 1985. The race was supposed to take place in Zandvoort circuit on May 1-3, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix. Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled as the organisers said that the situation was "no longer tenable". A statement from the race organisers, Automobile Club de Monaco read: "The current situation concerning the worldwide pandemic and its unknown path of evolution, the lack of understanding as to the impact on the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, the uncertainty with regards to the participation of the teams, the consequences with regards to the differing measures of confinement as taken by various governments worldwide, the multi-border restrictions for accessing the Principality of Monaco, the pressure on all implicated businesses, their dedicated staff who are unable to undertake the necessary installations, the availability of the indispensable workforce and volunteers (more than 1500) required for the success of the event means that the situation is no longer tenable. They went on to apologise to the fans, spectators and partners for cancelling the much-awaited race of the year. They said: "To all the fans, spectators, partners and our members, the Board of Directors wishes to express its sincere regrets that these two events cannot be postponed and under no circumstances, will it be possible to organize these events later this year." If the global contagion continues to spread, it could lead to cancelling of the complete championship.

F1: Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix postponed whereas Monaco race called off

The Australian Grand Prix has been called off due to the spread of the global pandemic, the novel coronavirus. &nbsp;The decision was made after a McLaren team member was tested positive for the coronavirus in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/season-opening-australian-f1-in-chaos-as-mclaren-pulls-out-285901" hreflang="en">Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out</a>

By the time the FIA confirmed the news regarding the cancellation of the news, Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) and Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo) had flown home.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-boss-mikel-arteta-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-premier-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-285996">Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting</a>

The suspension of the curtain-raiser leaves doubts regarding the rest of the tournament. The second round of the Formula One championship is set to take place behind closed doors in Bahrain.&nbsp;

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Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott on the cancellation of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/UiuIvlwix8">pic.twitter.com/UiuIvlwix8</a>
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Confirmation of the abandonment came after Mercedes sent a letter requesting suspension of the race due to the outbreak in the pandemic.&nbsp;

The letter read: "We share the disappointment of the sport's fans that this race cannot go ahead as planned. However, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority.

"In light of the force majeure events we are experiencing with regards to the coronavirus pandemic, we no longer feel the safety of our employees can be guaranteed if we continue to take part in the event.

"If organisers try to press ahead with the weekend it appears at this stage as if not all the teams will take part."

Six-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton said that he was "very, very surprised" as the plan for the race was still on despite virus spreading across the globe.&nbsp;

Earlier, Chinese Grand Prix was postponed due to the outbreak the new date has still not been decided yet.&nbsp;

All the sporting events are going through a massive shut down due to the virus.&nbsp;

The Australian Grand Prix has been called off due to the spread of the global pandemic, the novel coronavirus. The decision was made after a McLaren team member was tested positive for the coronavirus in Melbourne.

The Australian Grand Prix has been called off due to the spread of the global pandemic, the novel coronavirus. The decision was made after a McLaren team member was tested positive for the coronavirus in Melbourne. Also read: Season-opening Australian F1 in chaos as McLaren pulls out By the time the FIA confirmed the news regarding the cancellation of the news, Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) and Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo) had flown home. Also read: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting The suspension of the curtain-raiser leaves doubts regarding the rest of the tournament. The second round of the Formula One championship is set to take place behind closed doors in Bahrain. Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott on the cancellation of the #AusGP pic.twitter.com/UiuIvlwix8 — Formula 1 (@F1) March 13, 2020 × Confirmation of the abandonment came after Mercedes sent a letter requesting suspension of the race due to the outbreak in the pandemic. The letter read: "We share the disappointment of the sport's fans that this race cannot go ahead as planned. However, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority. "In light of the force majeure events we are experiencing with regards to the coronavirus pandemic, we no longer feel the safety of our employees can be guaranteed if we continue to take part in the event. "If organisers try to press ahead with the weekend it appears at this stage as if not all the teams will take part." Six-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton said that he was "very, very surprised" as the plan for the race was still on despite virus spreading across the globe. Earlier, Chinese Grand Prix was postponed due to the outbreak the new date has still not been decided yet. All the sporting events are going through a massive shut down due to the virus.

Formula One: Australian Grand Prix cancelled as McLaren team member tested positive for COVID-19

Lewis Hamilton described a visit Tuesday to parts of Australia ravaged by months-long bushfires as heartbreaking, saying it was "one of those days that really put things into perspective".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-wants-to-put-smiles-on-faces-as-italy-locks-down-285366" hreflang="en">Formula One: Ferrari wants to put 'smiles on faces' as Italy locks down</a>

The six-time Formula One world champion, who starts his title defence at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend, is a passionate supporter of environmental and animal welfare issues.

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I had the incredible opportunity to visit NSW, Australia to see the admirable work <a href="https://twitter.com/WIRES_NSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIRES_NSW</a> is doing to care, rehabilitate and preserve the country’s native wildlife following the recent, devastating fires. It was one of those days that really put things into perspective. 🐨 <a href="https://t.co/a1wX1QYuQU">pic.twitter.com/a1wX1QYuQU</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1237142522637496322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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At the height of the bushfires, which have now been extinguished, he donated US$500,000 to "support the animals, wildlife volunteers and rural fire services" affected by the crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-bahrain-grand-prix-will-be-held-with-no-spectators-due-to-coronavirus-fears-285163" hreflang="en">F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears</a>

After arriving from London, he headed straight from Sydney airport to the New South Wales countryside to see the devastation wrought by the fires, which experts warned may have killed up to one billion creatures.

"When you read about it or when you watch it on TV it looks horrifying but when you see the real devastation up close, and how vast the land is, it's even more heartbreaking," he said in a video posted on his social media channels.

"Knowing over, I think, 1.5 billion animals perished during that time as well, it was really important for me to try and support some of the people out there who are trying to look after them and rescue the animals.

"I wanted to come out here and see it. It's been a really amazing experience."

He added to his 14.6 million Instagram followers that "it was one of those days that really put things into perspective" after being shown recovering koalas, baby kangaroos and wombats.

The fires, which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes, began in September and were only put out in February.

Scientists say they were fuelled by drought and unfavourable weather conditions that were exacerbated by climate change.

Lewis Hamilton described a visit Tuesday to parts of Australia ravaged by months-long bushfires as heartbreaking, saying it was "one of those days that really put things into perspective".

Lewis Hamilton described a visit Tuesday to parts of Australia ravaged by months-long bushfires as heartbreaking, saying it was "one of those days that really put things into perspective". Also read: Formula One: Ferrari wants to put 'smiles on faces' as Italy locks down The six-time Formula One world champion, who starts his title defence at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend, is a passionate supporter of environmental and animal welfare issues. I had the incredible opportunity to visit NSW, Australia to see the admirable work @WIRES_NSW is doing to care, rehabilitate and preserve the country’s native wildlife following the recent, devastating fires. It was one of those days that really put things into perspective. 🐨 pic.twitter.com/a1wX1QYuQU — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 9, 2020 × At the height of the bushfires, which have now been extinguished, he donated US$500,000 to "support the animals, wildlife volunteers and rural fire services" affected by the crisis. Also read: F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears After arriving from London, he headed straight from Sydney airport to the New South Wales countryside to see the devastation wrought by the fires, which experts warned may have killed up to one billion creatures. "When you read about it or when you watch it on TV it looks horrifying but when you see the real devastation up close, and how vast the land is, it's even more heartbreaking," he said in a video posted on his social media channels. "Knowing over, I think, 1.5 billion animals perished during that time as well, it was really important for me to try and support some of the people out there who are trying to look after them and rescue the animals. "I wanted to come out here and see it. It's been a really amazing experience." He added to his 14.6 million Instagram followers that "it was one of those days that really put things into perspective" after being shown recovering koalas, baby kangaroos and wombats. The fires, which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes, began in September and were only put out in February. Scientists say they were fuelled by drought and unfavourable weather conditions that were exacerbated by climate change.

'Heartbreaking' - Lewis Hamilton visits fire-ravaged Australia

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-italian-sporting-events-including-serie-a-suspended-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-285360" hreflang="en">All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-fixture-delayed-due-to-confusion-over-italian-sports-ministers-post-calling-for-suspension-of-league-285134" hreflang="en">Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league</a>

In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-milan-chairman-zhang-lashes-out-on-serie-a-chairman-over-coronavirus-284172">Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus</a>

Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-bahrain-grand-prix-will-be-held-with-no-spectators-due-to-coronavirus-fears-285163" hreflang="en">F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears</a>

Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there".

Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis.

"At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said.

Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring.

The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively.

"After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto.

"We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key."

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits.

Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more.

"The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German.

He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much".&nbsp;

Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans. Also read: Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning. Also read: F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there". Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis. "At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said. Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring. The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively. "After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto. "We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key." Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits. Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more. "The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German. He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much". Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Formula One: Ferrari wants to put 'smiles on faces' as Italy locks down

The second round of the Formula One Championship is set to be hosted by Bahrain, the island kingdom has faced an outbreak of the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sporting-events-that-fell-victim-to-coronavirus-280070" hreflang="en">Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!</a>

To cope up with the virus, the organizers have announced that the race will be conducted without any spectators. The announcement was made on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-all-systems-go-australia-bahrain-f1-race-to-go-ahead-despite-coronavirus-fears-283896">'We are all systems go': Australia, Bahrain F1 race to go ahead despite coronavirus fears</a>

"Convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time," they said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

The race, which will be held on March 22, will only be televised due to the announcement.&nbsp;

"But to ensure that neither the sport nor its global supporter base, is unduly impacted, the race weekend itself will still go ahead as a televised event."

The Middle East has been hit by the novel coronavirus ever since its origin in Wuhan. Total of 6,980 confirmed cases are seen in the whole of the Middle East out of which 6,566 are in Iran. Bahrain faces 80 cases of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Earlier, Chinese Grand Prix was postponed due to the virus outbreak, the Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 19 in the Shanghai International Circuit which is approximately 800 kilometres away from Wuhan (the epicentre of the outbreak). However, due to the outbreak, the governing body had decided to postpone the event. The new date is yet to be declared.&nbsp;

Australian Grand Prix will continue as per the schedule with no hindrance due to the virus.&nbsp;

The second round of the Formula One Championship is set to be hosted by Bahrain, the island kingdom has faced an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In pics: Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!

The second round of the Formula One Championship is set to be hosted by Bahrain, the island kingdom has faced an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. In pics: Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus! To cope up with the virus, the organizers have announced that the race will be conducted without any spectators. The announcement was made on Sunday. Also read: 'We are all systems go': Australia, Bahrain F1 race to go ahead despite coronavirus fears "Convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time," they said. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus The race, which will be held on March 22, will only be televised due to the announcement. "But to ensure that neither the sport nor its global supporter base, is unduly impacted, the race weekend itself will still go ahead as a televised event." The Middle East has been hit by the novel coronavirus ever since its origin in Wuhan. Total of 6,980 confirmed cases are seen in the whole of the Middle East out of which 6,566 are in Iran. Bahrain faces 80 cases of COVID-19. Earlier, Chinese Grand Prix was postponed due to the virus outbreak, the Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 19 in the Shanghai International Circuit which is approximately 800 kilometres away from Wuhan (the epicentre of the outbreak). However, due to the outbreak, the governing body had decided to postpone the event. The new date is yet to be declared. Australian Grand Prix will continue as per the schedule with no hindrance due to the virus.

F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears

Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to kick-start this year's Formula One season. According to the organisers, the event will not be hindered due to the on-going coronavirus and&nbsp;have insisted that they will&nbsp;go&nbsp;ahead with the race.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

In a statement addressing the coronavirus issue, Australian Grand Prix chief executive Andrew Westacott said: "We are all systems go."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sporting-events-that-fell-victim-to-coronavirus-280070" hreflang="en">Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus!</a>

"At this stage, there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula One and the teams will not be arriving as usual."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-hot-wheels-that-will-mesmerise-fans-on-tracks-of-formula-one-2020-281517" hreflang="en">New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year</a>

"Formula One has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead."

Bahrain Grand Prix will take place a week after the Melbourne race. The Gulf country will host the Grand Prix on March 22.&nbsp;

Circuit officials for Bahrain Grand Prix are also confident that the second round of the tournament will go as per the schedule.&nbsp;

However, F1 personnel who have visited countries that have been badly affected by the coronavirus will go through an extensive screening process.&nbsp;

The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 19 on the Shanghai International Circuit which is approximately 800 kilometres away from Wuhan (the epicentre of the outbreak). However, due to the outbreak, the governing body has decided to postpone the event. The new date is still to be declared.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to kick-start this year's Formula One season. According to the organisers, the event will not be hindered due to the on-going coronavirus and have insisted that they will go ahead with the race.

Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to kick-start this year's Formula One season. According to the organisers, the event will not be hindered due to the on-going coronavirus and have insisted that they will go ahead with the race. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus In a statement addressing the coronavirus issue, Australian Grand Prix chief executive Andrew Westacott said: "We are all systems go." Also see: Sporting events that fell victim to coronavirus! "At this stage, there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula One and the teams will not be arriving as usual." Also see: New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year "Formula One has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead." Bahrain Grand Prix will take place a week after the Melbourne race. The Gulf country will host the Grand Prix on March 22. Circuit officials for Bahrain Grand Prix are also confident that the second round of the tournament will go as per the schedule. However, F1 personnel who have visited countries that have been badly affected by the coronavirus will go through an extensive screening process. The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled to take place on April 19 on the Shanghai International Circuit which is approximately 800 kilometres away from Wuhan (the epicentre of the outbreak). However, due to the outbreak, the governing body has decided to postpone the event. The new date is still to be declared.

'We are all systems go': Australia, Bahrain F1 race to go ahead despite coronavirus fears

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-guenther-becomes-youngest-driver-to-win-race-in-formula-e-275250">Max Guenther becomes youngest driver to win race in Formula E</a>

The car's name has a significance to it as the single-seater will begin its 1000th race for the Italian team in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne&nbsp;on March 15.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="SF1000" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb12c526-149a-4508-aaea-7c5fb2430820" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_65.jpg" /> 
SF1000 | Reuters</h6>

Ferrari's team manager Mattia Binotto called this year "special" and said: "It's 70 years of Formula One, we have been there from the start and we are going to reach the figure of 1,000 Grands Prix, which is something incredible."&nbsp;

"Maybe it looks a lot like the SF90, but I can assure you it is very different," continued Binotto.

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Seen something so beautiful 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/essereFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#essereFerrari</a> 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV">https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV</a> <a href="https://t.co/68SZJEcNBL">pic.twitter.com/68SZJEcNBL</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1227334775746240513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The new SF1000 is narrower than previous season's SF90 car, it also will don a deeper red colour (Ferrari cars are well known for their red colour).&nbsp;

Their star driver Sebastian Vettel said that he liked the car. He said: "It's much narrower at the back than last year and it is also redder, it's even better. I'm impatient to drive it, that will be even more fascinating than looking at it."

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2020. New decade, same goal. 
 
Discover all contents at <a href="https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw">https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SF1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SF1000</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/essereFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#essereFerrari</a> 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/eXXUWhgc3U">pic.twitter.com/eXXUWhgc3U</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1227319338014793728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ferrari's F1 team Scuderia broke their tradition, they chose the venue of the event to be at the Teatro Romolo-Valli, located in the nearby city of Reggio Emilia instead of their stronghold city of Maranello.&nbsp;

The chairman of the Ferrari group explained the reason behind it, he said: "This is a very important place for our country,".

He added: "It was in this city that the tricolour flag, which became that of Italy, was created. And Ferrari is proud of Italy and of representing Italy."

The four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who had an impressive debut last year are set to begin on equal footing.

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007).

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007). Also read: Max Guenther becomes youngest driver to win race in Formula E The car's name has a significance to it as the single-seater will begin its 1000th race for the Italian team in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15. SF1000 | Reuters Ferrari's team manager Mattia Binotto called this year "special" and said: "It's 70 years of Formula One, we have been there from the start and we are going to reach the figure of 1,000 Grands Prix, which is something incredible." "Maybe it looks a lot like the SF90, but I can assure you it is very different," continued Binotto. Seen something so beautiful 😍#essereFerrari 🔴 https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV pic.twitter.com/68SZJEcNBL — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 11, 2020 × The new SF1000 is narrower than previous season's SF90 car, it also will don a deeper red colour (Ferrari cars are well known for their red colour). Their star driver Sebastian Vettel said that he liked the car. He said: "It's much narrower at the back than last year and it is also redder, it's even better. I'm impatient to drive it, that will be even more fascinating than looking at it." 2020. New decade, same goal. Discover all contents at https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw#SF1000 #essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/eXXUWhgc3U — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 11, 2020 × Ferrari's F1 team Scuderia broke their tradition, they chose the venue of the event to be at the Teatro Romolo-Valli, located in the nearby city of Reggio Emilia instead of their stronghold city of Maranello. The chairman of the Ferrari group explained the reason behind it, he said: "This is a very important place for our country,". He added: "It was in this city that the tricolour flag, which became that of Italy, was created. And Ferrari is proud of Italy and of representing Italy." The four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who had an impressive debut last year are set to begin on equal footing.

Formula one: Ferrari unveils new SF1000 car, hopes to end title drought

It will have been six years since Formula One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-schumacher-admitted-to-paris-hospital-for-secret-treatment-report-248733">legend Michael Schumacher</a> met with a skiing accident in the French Alps.&nbsp;The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and&nbsp;left the F-1&nbsp;world shocked.

The seven-time champion racing driver suffered brain injuries when he tumbled while skiing in the French alps after he&nbsp;ventured into an unsecured zone. Michael lost balance and fell head-first on a rock.

Even though he had his skiing helmet on, the injury to his brain led doctors to place him on medically induced coma&nbsp;for six months until 16 June 2014.

He left the intensive care ward at the hospital in Grenoble,&nbsp;for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Lausanne, in Switzerland.

Since then, Schumacher has shown signs of improvement. After the latest surgery in 2019 in Paris, medical staff stated that Michael Schumacher was "conscious".

However,&nbsp;Schumacher's family has been tight lipped over the former champion's state of health throughout all these years.

Approaching the sixth anniversary of the accident, Michael's wife Corina in a rare event delivered a hopeful message to fans.

"Big things start with small steps. Many small particles can form a huge mosaic," Corinna reportedly told fans.

Despite Schumacher being out of public&nbsp;eye for the greater part of the decade, support for him continues to remain strong, with fans&nbsp;hungry on any scap of information his health.

However, Schumacher's doctors have&nbsp;repotedly said that there are still one to three years left for his recovery to be complete.

It will have been six years since Formula One legend Michael Schumacher met with a skiing accident in the French Alps. The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and left the F-1 world shocked.

It will have been six years since Formula One legend Michael Schumacher met with a skiing accident in the French Alps. The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and left the F-1 world shocked. The seven-time champion racing driver suffered brain injuries when he tumbled while skiing in the French alps after he ventured into an unsecured zone. Michael lost balance and fell head-first on a rock. Even though he had his skiing helmet on, the injury to his brain led doctors to place him on medically induced coma for six months until 16 June 2014. He left the intensive care ward at the hospital in Grenoble, for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Lausanne, in Switzerland. Since then, Schumacher has shown signs of improvement. After the latest surgery in 2019 in Paris, medical staff stated that Michael Schumacher was "conscious". However, Schumacher's family has been tight lipped over the former champion's state of health throughout all these years. Approaching the sixth anniversary of the accident, Michael's wife Corina in a rare event delivered a hopeful message to fans. "Big things start with small steps. Many small particles can form a huge mosaic," Corinna reportedly told fans. Despite Schumacher being out of public eye for the greater part of the decade, support for him continues to remain strong, with fans hungry on any scap of information his health. However, Schumacher's doctors have repotedly said that there are still one to three years left for his recovery to be complete.

Big things start with small steps, says Schumacher's wife in rare health update

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-not-ruling-out-a-ferrari-switch-265758">Ferrari</a> have extended Charles Leclerc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-fined-50000-euros-for-fuel-irregularity-265674">Formula One</a> contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday.

The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver.

Leclerc also finished fourth overall and above four-times world champion team mate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Sebastian Vettel</a>, whose contract expires at the end of 2020, in the season's standings.

"I am very happy to be staying on with Scuderia Ferrari. This past season, driving for the most illustrious team in Formula One has been a dream year for me," Leclerc said in a statement.

"I cannot wait to enjoy an even deeper relationship with the team after what has been an intense and exciting 2019. I’m keen to see what the future holds and I can’t wait to get going again next season."

The decision makes Leclerc central to the team's long-term plans, with Vettel's future far from certain after seeing his authority steadily eroded in a 2019 campaign clouded by mistakes.

It also means he will be a team mate to whoever succeeds Vettel, with six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton the subject of plenty of speculation about his plans after Mercedes. The Briton's contract also expires at the end of next year.

Team principal Mattia Binotto indicated the decision to commit to a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who made his F1 debut with Sauber (now competing as Alfa Romeo) in 2018, had been obvious.

"With each passing race this year, our wish to extend our contract with Charles became ever more self-evident and the decision means he will now be with us for the next five seasons," he said.

"It demonstrates that Charles and the Scuderia have a firm future together...I’m sure that together, we will write many new pages in the history of the Prancing Horse."

Ferrari have extended Charles Leclerc's Formula One contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday. The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver.

Ferrari have extended Charles Leclerc's Formula One contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday. The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver. Leclerc also finished fourth overall and above four-times world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel, whose contract expires at the end of 2020, in the season's standings. "I am very happy to be staying on with Scuderia Ferrari. This past season, driving for the most illustrious team in Formula One has been a dream year for me," Leclerc said in a statement. "I cannot wait to enjoy an even deeper relationship with the team after what has been an intense and exciting 2019. I’m keen to see what the future holds and I can’t wait to get going again next season." The decision makes Leclerc central to the team's long-term plans, with Vettel's future far from certain after seeing his authority steadily eroded in a 2019 campaign clouded by mistakes. It also means he will be a team mate to whoever succeeds Vettel, with six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton the subject of plenty of speculation about his plans after Mercedes. The Briton's contract also expires at the end of next year. Team principal Mattia Binotto indicated the decision to commit to a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who made his F1 debut with Sauber (now competing as Alfa Romeo) in 2018, had been obvious. "With each passing race this year, our wish to extend our contract with Charles became ever more self-evident and the decision means he will now be with us for the next five seasons," he said. "It demonstrates that Charles and the Scuderia have a firm future together...I’m sure that together, we will write many new pages in the history of the Prancing Horse."

Ferrari secure Charles Leclerc for the next five years

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros&nbsp;on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-wraps-up-season-with-master-class-in-abu-dhabi-265667">Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a> but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid.

The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared.

Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race.

Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a>, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified.

"The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place. The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid. The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared. Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race. Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified. "The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Formula One: Ferrari fined 50,000 euros for fuel irregularity

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-hit-by-pioneering-spirit-as-f1-charts-new-course-259219">Lewis Hamilton </a>delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a> and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities.

The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position.&nbsp;

"That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!"

The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating."&nbsp;

His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull.

It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia.

Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th.

The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation.

Ferrari embarrassment&nbsp;

It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap.

Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship.

After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track.

Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead.&nbsp;

He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems.

Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc.

Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands.

Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go.

On lap 39, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Leclerc and Vettel</a> pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!”

The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory.

It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities. The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position. "That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!" The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating." His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull. It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia. Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th. The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation. Ferrari embarrassment It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap. Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship. After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track. Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead. He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems. Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc. Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands. Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go. On lap 39, Leclerc and Vettel pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!” The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory. It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wraps up season with 'master-class' in Abu Dhabi

Six times world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-wraps-up-season-with-master-class-in-abu-dhabi-265667">Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton</a>&nbsp;did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021.

The 34-year-old Briton will be out of contract at the end of next season.

The next deal will probably be&nbsp;Hamilton’s last in Formula One and he has said he is considering options outside of Mercedes, where team principal Toto Wolff’s future is also up in the air. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"What happens behind closed doors is always private with whoever it is you end up sitting with,"&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;said in response to a question about Italian media reports that he had twice met Elkann.

"For many, many years I’ve never, ever sat down and considered other options because we’ve been just driving straight ahead into the path that we’ve been on...," added the Briton after winning the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"I know Toto is also looking at his options in terms of his future. So I’m waiting to see what he’s doing with that."

Hamilton&nbsp;joined Mercedes in 2013 as a one-time champion, replacing seven times title-holder Michael Schumacher, and with the British-based team still battling in the midfield.

He now has six titles and 84 wins, seven shy of Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, and has averaged 10 a year since 2014.

He can equal the German’s record title tally next season and the lure of going beyond that in one of the Italian team’s red cars could be too great to resist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-fined-50000-euros-for-fuel-irregularity-265674">Ferrari</a> boss Mattia Binotto, whose four-time champion driver Sebastian Vettel is out of contract at the end of 2020,&nbsp;praised&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;on Friday and said he was happy the Briton could be available.

Wolff said there was a 75 per cent&nbsp;chance&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;would stay with Mercedes.

"But equally, there is a 25 per cent&nbsp;chance that we are not in control of," added the Austrian, who on Saturday said he was totally open to&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;speaking with Ferrari.

The Briton said any decision to leave would not be easy.

"I love where I am so it’s definitely not a quick decision to go do something else,” said&nbsp;Hamilton, who owns several Ferrari road cars.

"But of course it’s only smart and wise for me to sit and think of what I want, if it is the last period or stage in my career."

Six times world champion Lewis Hamilton did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021.

Six times world champion Lewis Hamilton did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021. The 34-year-old Briton will be out of contract at the end of next season. The next deal will probably be Hamilton’s last in Formula One and he has said he is considering options outside of Mercedes, where team principal Toto Wolff’s future is also up in the air. "What happens behind closed doors is always private with whoever it is you end up sitting with," Hamilton said in response to a question about Italian media reports that he had twice met Elkann. "For many, many years I’ve never, ever sat down and considered other options because we’ve been just driving straight ahead into the path that we’ve been on...," added the Briton after winning the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "I know Toto is also looking at his options in terms of his future. So I’m waiting to see what he’s doing with that." Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 as a one-time champion, replacing seven times title-holder Michael Schumacher, and with the British-based team still battling in the midfield. He now has six titles and 84 wins, seven shy of Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, and has averaged 10 a year since 2014. He can equal the German’s record title tally next season and the lure of going beyond that in one of the Italian team’s red cars could be too great to resist. Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, whose four-time champion driver Sebastian Vettel is out of contract at the end of 2020, praised Hamilton on Friday and said he was happy the Briton could be available. Wolff said there was a 75 per cent chance Hamilton would stay with Mercedes. "But equally, there is a 25 per cent chance that we are not in control of," added the Austrian, who on Saturday said he was totally open to Hamilton speaking with Ferrari. The Briton said any decision to leave would not be easy. "I love where I am so it’s definitely not a quick decision to go do something else,” said Hamilton, who owns several Ferrari road cars. "But of course it’s only smart and wise for me to sit and think of what I want, if it is the last period or stage in my career."

Lewis Hamilton not ruling out a Ferrari switch

Six times <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/moto-gp-marc-marquez-triumphs-in-valencia-to-give-honda-triple-crown-262815">MotoGP champion</a> Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement.

The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November&nbsp;17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign.

"After experiencing some discomfort with his right shoulder,&nbsp;and after his Monday crash at the Jerez Test,&nbsp;the Repsol Honda Team rider elected to have the operation as a preventative measure after medical consultation," the team said.

"The operation is&nbsp;similar&nbsp;to the one performed on his left shoulder at the end of 2018 but less aggressive in nature."

Marquez, who will be joined by younger brother Alex at the factory Honda team next season, will be discharged within the next 48 hours.

Six times MotoGP champion Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement. The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November 17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign.

Six times MotoGP champion Marc Marquez underwent shoulder surgery in Barcelona on Wednesday, his Honda team said in a statement. The MotoGP season finished at Spain's Valencia circuit on November 17, with Marquez taking his 12th victory of a dominant campaign. "After experiencing some discomfort with his right shoulder, and after his Monday crash at the Jerez Test, the Repsol Honda Team rider elected to have the operation as a preventative measure after medical consultation," the team said. "The operation is similar to the one performed on his left shoulder at the end of 2018 but less aggressive in nature." Marquez, who will be joined by younger brother Alex at the factory Honda team next season, will be discharged within the next 48 hours.

MotoGP champion Marquez undergoes shoulder surgery

By Mallika Singh

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Brazillian Grand Prix</a> as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.&nbsp;

Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them.&nbsp;

“I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said.&nbsp;

Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week.&nbsp;

The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign.&nbsp;

"What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said.&nbsp;

The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton's</a> Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon.&nbsp;

Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him.&nbsp;

Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race.&nbsp;

It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team."

While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this."

Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi

"Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences. Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them. “I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said. Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week. The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign. "What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said. The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon. Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him. Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race. It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles. Vettel chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team." While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this." Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi "Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race. (With inputs from Reuters)

Ferrari’s 'silly' crash at Brazilian Grand Prix leaves team with big consequences

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton</a> was demoted from third to seventh.

In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two.

Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round.

"I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two.

The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision.

Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Hamilton securing his sixth</a> in Texas two weeks ago.

Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled.

The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole.

It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second.

"Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio.

"The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second.

Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas,&nbsp;who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car.

Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination.

The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> came back and the two banged wheels.

Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension.

"What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action.

The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him,&nbsp;an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty.

Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel.

The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own.

The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start.

The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining.

Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided.

Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault.

McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh. In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two. Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round. "I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two. The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision. Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with Hamilton securing his sixth in Texas two weeks ago. Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled. The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole. It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second. "Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio. "The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second. Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car. Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination. The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but Vettel came back and the two banged wheels. Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension. "What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action. The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him, an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty. Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel. The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own. The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start. The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining. Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided. Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault. McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide

Lewis Hamilton intends to stay in Formula One beyond 2020 but he said on Thursday he wanted to know Mercedes team boss Toto <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-a-given-that-mercedes-will-stay-in-formula-one-says-wolff-261794">Wolff's personal plans </a>before agreeing any new deal.

The six times world champion, like most of his rivals, is out of contract after next season with a major shakeup of the sport scheduled for 2021.

He recognised at the Brazilian Grand Prix, however, that he was "kind of joined at the hip" with Mercedes after seven years together.

There could also be change at the helm of Formula One post-2020 and Austrian Wolff has been talked of as someone who could play such a role.

"I know that being stuck in any position for too long can also not always be a positive so I always want people to spread their wings and do what’s best for their careers," said Hamilton.

"I don’t know what that is for him (Wolff), only he will know," added the Briton, who said Wolf has been "the perfect match" for him and Mercedes.

"Naturally I don't want him to leave, particularly if I'm staying in the sport. It is important to me and I am waiting also to see where his head is at."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-mercedes-boss-wolff-to-skip-brazil-now-both-f1-titles-won-261555">Wolff is not in Brazil</a> for Sunday's penultimate race of the season, with Mercedes having already won both titles for an unprecedented sixth year in succession.

Hamilton clinched his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">sixth championship in Texas </a>this month and will be aiming to equal Michael Schumacher's record seven next year, when he will be 35 years old.

The Briton's last contract negotiations were protracted and fans still speculate on whether he might end his career at Ferrari.

"I’ve obviously considered the next couple of years. I know that I want to continue racing, I love what I’m doing. I see no reason for me to stop any time soon," Hamilton said.

"It's almost like I only just did this contract and I’ve already got to start talking about the potential of the next one.

"It’s another stressful moment where you have to... get into the ring and have a friendly yet intense conversation about terms and all those kind of things. But I’m used to it and like to think I’m a relatively good negotiator."

Hamilton also revealed he had received text messages from 2007 McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso and former McLaren boss Ron Dennis after Austin.

"Seeing Ron's text, it really touched me inside," said the champion, who first met Dennis as a 10-year-old go-karter.

"He saw something in me that no one else did except for my dad. He gave me an opportunity to showcase my abilities and to learn and to grow. Without him, I most likely wouldn't have made it to F1."

Lewis Hamilton intends to stay in Formula One beyond 2020 but he said on Thursday he wanted to know Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff's personal plans before agreeing any new deal.

Lewis Hamilton intends to stay in Formula One beyond 2020 but he said on Thursday he wanted to know Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff's personal plans before agreeing any new deal. The six times world champion, like most of his rivals, is out of contract after next season with a major shakeup of the sport scheduled for 2021. He recognised at the Brazilian Grand Prix, however, that he was "kind of joined at the hip" with Mercedes after seven years together. There could also be change at the helm of Formula One post-2020 and Austrian Wolff has been talked of as someone who could play such a role. "I know that being stuck in any position for too long can also not always be a positive so I always want people to spread their wings and do what’s best for their careers," said Hamilton. "I don’t know what that is for him (Wolff), only he will know," added the Briton, who said Wolf has been "the perfect match" for him and Mercedes. "Naturally I don't want him to leave, particularly if I'm staying in the sport. It is important to me and I am waiting also to see where his head is at." Wolff is not in Brazil for Sunday's penultimate race of the season, with Mercedes having already won both titles for an unprecedented sixth year in succession. Hamilton clinched his sixth championship in Texas this month and will be aiming to equal Michael Schumacher's record seven next year, when he will be 35 years old. The Briton's last contract negotiations were protracted and fans still speculate on whether he might end his career at Ferrari. "I’ve obviously considered the next couple of years. I know that I want to continue racing, I love what I’m doing. I see no reason for me to stop any time soon," Hamilton said. "It's almost like I only just did this contract and I’ve already got to start talking about the potential of the next one. "It’s another stressful moment where you have to... get into the ring and have a friendly yet intense conversation about terms and all those kind of things. But I’m used to it and like to think I’m a relatively good negotiator." Hamilton also revealed he had received text messages from 2007 McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso and former McLaren boss Ron Dennis after Austin. "Seeing Ron's text, it really touched me inside," said the champion, who first met Dennis as a 10-year-old go-karter. "He saw something in me that no one else did except for my dad. He gave me an opportunity to showcase my abilities and to learn and to grow. Without him, I most likely wouldn't have made it to F1."

Motor racing: Hamilton waiting on Wolff ahead of 2021 contract talks

Champions Mercedes are likely to stay in Formula One after major changes come into play in 2021 but that cannot be taken for granted, team principal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-mercedes-boss-wolff-to-skip-brazil-now-both-f1-titles-won-261555">Toto Wolff</a> said on Tuesday.

The German carmaker's factory team have won both the constructors' and drivers' championships for an unprecedented six years in a row, and next season is the last before a financial, technical and sporting shakeup.

The teams are still negotiating a new agreement with commercial rights holders Liberty Media to replace the one that expires at the end of 2020, and their positions are being staked out.

"Everything indicates that we will stay. But it's not a given," Wolff, who is missing this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix to deal with such commercial matters, told motorsport.com.

"We are in the middle of discussing the new Concorde Agreement. In connection with this, and independently of it, we are discussing the development of the automobile and its effects on sport," added the Austrian.

"In which direction is the automotive world developing? In what form is Formula One relevant as an entertainment and technology platform? As a brand whose first car was a racing car, do we want to stay on this platform in the long term?"

Mercedes are making their debut in the all-electric Formula E series this year.

The German luxury carmaker is also spending 10 billion euros ($11.02 billion) to develop a raft of electric cars so it can boast a carbon neutral car fleet by 2039 and to avoid hefty fines by regulators.

Wolff said that while the likes of Ferrari built their business on racing, there was another model that said: 'We had a very successful run. There's nothing more to prove. We're doing something else now'.

"Both are absolutely plausible strategies," he said.

Mercedes are also due to supply three other teams, McLaren, Williams and Racing Point, with engines from 2021 and Wolff said that too could be up in the air.

"You can be only pregnant or not pregnant, not half pregnant. So either we participate in the platform or we do not," he declared.

Champions Mercedes are likely to stay in Formula One after major changes come into play in 2021 but that cannot be taken for granted, team principal Toto Wolff said on Tuesday.

Champions Mercedes are likely to stay in Formula One after major changes come into play in 2021 but that cannot be taken for granted, team principal Toto Wolff said on Tuesday. The German carmaker's factory team have won both the constructors' and drivers' championships for an unprecedented six years in a row, and next season is the last before a financial, technical and sporting shakeup. The teams are still negotiating a new agreement with commercial rights holders Liberty Media to replace the one that expires at the end of 2020, and their positions are being staked out. "Everything indicates that we will stay. But it's not a given," Wolff, who is missing this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix to deal with such commercial matters, told motorsport.com. "We are in the middle of discussing the new Concorde Agreement. In connection with this, and independently of it, we are discussing the development of the automobile and its effects on sport," added the Austrian. "In which direction is the automotive world developing? In what form is Formula One relevant as an entertainment and technology platform? As a brand whose first car was a racing car, do we want to stay on this platform in the long term?" Mercedes are making their debut in the all-electric Formula E series this year. The German luxury carmaker is also spending 10 billion euros ($11.02 billion) to develop a raft of electric cars so it can boast a carbon neutral car fleet by 2039 and to avoid hefty fines by regulators. Wolff said that while the likes of Ferrari built their business on racing, there was another model that said: 'We had a very successful run. There's nothing more to prove. We're doing something else now'. "Both are absolutely plausible strategies," he said. Mercedes are also due to supply three other teams, McLaren, Williams and Racing Point, with engines from 2021 and Wolff said that too could be up in the air. "You can be only pregnant or not pregnant, not half pregnant. So either we participate in the platform or we do not," he declared.

Not a given that Mercedes will stay in Formula One, says Wolff

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chadwick-feels-formula-one-is-further-away-the-closer-she-gets-260708">Formula One</a> set out its first-ever sustainability plan on Tuesday with the aim of achieving a net zero-carbon footprint for the sport by 2030.

The Liberty Media-owned championship, which will have a record 22 grands prix next year with the 10 teams flown around the world, said carbon reduction projects would start immediately.

It also promised that all Formula One events would be sustainable by 2025.

"We recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue," said chairman Chase Carey in a statement.

"By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate."

Carey said the current V6 turbo hybrid power engines, in use since 2014, were the most efficient in the world and delivered more power from less fuel than any other car.

"We believe F1 can continue to be a leader for the auto industry and work with the energy and automotive sector to deliver the world’s first net zero-carbon hybrid internal combustion engine," added the American.

Other initiatives include moving to ultra-efficient logistics and 100 per cent&nbsp;renewably powered offices, facilities and factories.

McLaren were certified as Formula One's first carbon-neutral team as long ago as 2011, but the sport has also struggled to shrug off a gas-guzzling reputation dating back to the long-gone days of V12 engines.

Unfavourable comparisons have been made to the all-electric Formula E series, which now has a significant manufacturer presence.

Formula One said sustainable materials will be used at all events, with all waste reused or recycled, and single-use plastics would be barred.

There would also be incentives offering fans a greener way to get to the races.

Six times Formula One world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Lewis Hamilton</a>, who has gone vegan, has spoken out this year about his own efforts to reduce his carbon footprint.

The Mercedes driver told reporters last month that he had sold his private jet and was flying less for pleasure, had banned single-use plastic from home and office and aimed to be carbon neutral by the end of 2019.

"It is not the easiest because, yes, we are travelling around the world and we are racing Formula One cars. Our carbon footprint for sure is higher than the average homeowner that lives in the same city," he said then.

"But it doesn’t mean you should be afraid to speak out about things that can be for a positive change."

Formula One set out its first-ever sustainability plan on Tuesday with the aim of achieving a net zero-carbon footprint for the sport by 2030. The Liberty Media-owned championship, which will have a record 22 grands prix next year with the 10 teams flown around the world, said carbon reduction projects would start immediately.

Formula One set out its first-ever sustainability plan on Tuesday with the aim of achieving a net zero-carbon footprint for the sport by 2030. The Liberty Media-owned championship, which will have a record 22 grands prix next year with the 10 teams flown around the world, said carbon reduction projects would start immediately. It also promised that all Formula One events would be sustainable by 2025. "We recognise the critical role that all organisations must play in tackling this global issue," said chairman Chase Carey in a statement. "By leveraging the immense talent, passion and drive for innovation held by all members of the F1 community, we hope to make a significant positive impact on the environment and communities in which we operate." Carey said the current V6 turbo hybrid power engines, in use since 2014, were the most efficient in the world and delivered more power from less fuel than any other car. "We believe F1 can continue to be a leader for the auto industry and work with the energy and automotive sector to deliver the world’s first net zero-carbon hybrid internal combustion engine," added the American. Other initiatives include moving to ultra-efficient logistics and 100 per cent renewably powered offices, facilities and factories. McLaren were certified as Formula One's first carbon-neutral team as long ago as 2011, but the sport has also struggled to shrug off a gas-guzzling reputation dating back to the long-gone days of V12 engines. Unfavourable comparisons have been made to the all-electric Formula E series, which now has a significant manufacturer presence. Formula One said sustainable materials will be used at all events, with all waste reused or recycled, and single-use plastics would be barred. There would also be incentives offering fans a greener way to get to the races. Six times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has gone vegan, has spoken out this year about his own efforts to reduce his carbon footprint. The Mercedes driver told reporters last month that he had sold his private jet and was flying less for pleasure, had banned single-use plastic from home and office and aimed to be carbon neutral by the end of 2019. "It is not the easiest because, yes, we are travelling around the world and we are racing Formula One cars. Our carbon footprint for sure is higher than the average homeowner that lives in the same city," he said then. "But it doesn’t mean you should be afraid to speak out about things that can be for a positive change."

Formula One aims for zero carbon footprint by 2030

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will miss Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, making it the first race he has not attended since 2013, now that his team have won both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-aims-for-zero-carbon-footprint-by-2030-261543">Formula One</a> championships for an unprecedented sixth year in a row.

A Mercedes spokesman said technical director James Allison will be the most senior team member at the track in the Austrian's absence.

"With both championships secured, it gives me more time in Europe to focus on other open topics," Wolff said in a team preview of the season's penultimate race at Sao Paulo's Interlagos track.

"It's great to be able to do this and to know that the team will represent the three-pointed star in the best way possible both on and off the track."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Lewis Hamilton </a>won his sixth world championship when he finished second to team mate Valtteri Bottas in Austin, Texas, on November&nbsp;3 after the team sealed the constructors' championship in Japan on October&nbsp;13.

Mercedes have dominated the V6 turbo-hybrid era that started in 2014 and have won 14 of this season's 19 races so far,&nbsp;Hamilton 10 of them.

The Briton has 83 career wins and is closing in on Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91. The 34-year-old won in Brazil last year, while Mercedes wrapped up the constructors' championship there.

With both titles secure, and the top three positions in the constructors' standings locked in, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will also be using the last two races to test ideas for next season.

"Despite this record-breaking achievement, I still feel a lot of hunger and desire for more achievements," said Wolff.

"There's no sense of complacency, everybody is still determined to keep on improving... we have two races to go in the 2019 season and we want to end this season on a high."

The last race is in Abu Dhabi on December&nbsp;1

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will miss Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, making it the first race he has not attended since 2013, now that his team have won both Formula One championships for an unprecedented sixth year in a row.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will miss Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, making it the first race he has not attended since 2013, now that his team have won both Formula One championships for an unprecedented sixth year in a row. A Mercedes spokesman said technical director James Allison will be the most senior team member at the track in the Austrian's absence. "With both championships secured, it gives me more time in Europe to focus on other open topics," Wolff said in a team preview of the season's penultimate race at Sao Paulo's Interlagos track. "It's great to be able to do this and to know that the team will represent the three-pointed star in the best way possible both on and off the track." Lewis Hamilton won his sixth world championship when he finished second to team mate Valtteri Bottas in Austin, Texas, on November 3 after the team sealed the constructors' championship in Japan on October 13. Mercedes have dominated the V6 turbo-hybrid era that started in 2014 and have won 14 of this season's 19 races so far, Hamilton 10 of them. The Briton has 83 career wins and is closing in on Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91. The 34-year-old won in Brazil last year, while Mercedes wrapped up the constructors' championship there. With both titles secure, and the top three positions in the constructors' standings locked in, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will also be using the last two races to test ideas for next season. "Despite this record-breaking achievement, I still feel a lot of hunger and desire for more achievements," said Wolff. "There's no sense of complacency, everybody is still determined to keep on improving... we have two races to go in the 2019 season and we want to end this season on a high." The last race is in Abu Dhabi on December 1

Motor racing: Mercedes boss Wolff to skip Brazil now both F1 titles won

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team.

She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test.

The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however.

Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away.

"Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added.

Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready.

Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet.

"I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick.

While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track.

Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions.

Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity.

"In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said.

"If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date."

Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder.

"At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said.

"Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever.

W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has taken a step closer to Formula One this year but her dream of one day competing at the pinnacle of motor racing feels further away than ever. The Briton, who collected $500,000 for winning the inaugural all-female single-seater title, celebrated her 21st birthday in May with a new role as a development driver for the Williams F1 team. She is also one of four finalists for the BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which is co-sponsored by Red Bull's title partners Aston Martin and whose main prize is a Formula One test. The experience of being on the inside of the Grand Prix paddock has made her realise just how much more she has to do, however. Asked whether she felt closer to becoming the first female Formula One driver since 1976, she replied: "To be completely honest, further away. "Not in a bad way, in a really refreshing way, I feel I know what I need to now learn in the next few years. I’m not going to rush that. I’m not going to try and cheat it," Chadwick added. Those who enquire on social media whether she might replace departing Williams driver Robert Kubica were living in a fantasy world, not only because Chadwick lacks a super licence but also because she is nowhere near ready. Her world is very different to that of Mercedes' six times world champion Lewis Hamilton, an admired compatriot she has yet to meet. "I need the time to develop and if I get to Formula One I want to be the best possible driver to make the mark I need to make," said Chadwick. While the Williams role has been mostly simulator-based, her work has a direct correlation to what happens at the track. Williams previously had Susie Wolff, now retired and a team principal in the all-electric Formula E series, in a similar role and gave the Scot track time in some Friday practice sessions. Chadwick indicated she would be pushing for such an opportunity. "In terms of getting in the car, that’s an ongoing discussion. We’re sort of pushing as hard as we can but we’ll see," she said. "If we can continue the relationship into next year, and if I can continue to do the best possible job in the sim, then that hopefully gives me a justifiable reason to potentially test the car at a future date." Chadwick will be back to defend her W Series title next year, hoping to then join the men climbing the motorsport ladder. "At the moment although the first year and the exposure has been absolutely incredible, I haven’t quite managed to secure the (financial) support to go to, say, FIA F3," she said. "Hopefully off the back of a strong second year’s campaign... that’s going to give me that opportunity."

Chadwick feels Formula One is further away the closer she gets

Formula E racer Sam Bird is hardly leaping into the unknown this season after five years in the all-electric series, but the Briton could be jumping into the River Thames come July.

The 32-year-old told reporters on Tuesday, as he looked forward to season six that starts in Saudi Arabia on November&nbsp;22-23, that he was prepared to take the plunge if he won his home London round.

If his Virgin Racing team have to throw him a lifeline, it would not be the first time.

Bird was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Lewis Hamilton's</a> Mercedes Formula One teammate in 2013,&nbsp;living the dream as a test and reserve driver while also finishing runner-up in the GP2 support series.

And then it ended. Cut loose, he found himself in a single bedroom apartment with the electricity supply cut off and no money to pay the bills.

The Briton remembers calling his parents in tears, telling them he would have to give up and become a personal trainer, before Virgin called to offer a seat in the first all-electric series.

"I owe Formula E everything. It resurrected my career," he said.

Fast forward, and Bird is his country's top electric driver while Hamilton probes ever deeper into the realms of greatness with his sixth Formula One championship.

The contrast between their career paths is not lost on Bird, who is in no risk of being mobbed when he steps out into central London, but he has no doubt his compatriot deserves all the recognition.

"He has to be considered as the greatest ever now, surely?," he said.

"I’ve worked with him and seen what he can do, data-wise. I’ve never said it about any other driver, but he did things where you just think ‘I cannot do that. My skill level will just not allow me to do what he does’.

"I worked with two other incredible drivers at Mercedes but you always felt like you could do it. Given enough time in the car, I felt I could do what they did. But with him sometimes there’s things that you just think, well that’s not achievable."

Hamilton had arrived from McLaren to replace seven times champion Michael Schumacher alongside Nico Rosberg for the start of 2013 and would go on to win five of the next six championships.

As one Briton took off, the other fell to earth with a bump.

"I parted ways with Mercedes and all of a sudden I literally had nothing. I had no money and no income. I didn’t have any money that I’d saved up or anything like that," said Bird.

"My electricity got cut off. I couldn’t afford my council tax bill."

In Formula E, he has found a new life - a race winner in every season so far with a total of eight victories, Bird is third in the winners' list,&nbsp;and third overall in 2017-18.

This season he will be up against a works Mercedes team for the first time, with the German carmaker joining Porsche as debutants.

"I tend not to try and race with emotion. To me it’s just another team that I need to beat in order to be the best," said the Briton.

"It’s great to have them on the grid. But it would be nice to keep them behind me."

Formula E racer Sam Bird is hardly leaping into the unknown this season after five years in the all-electric series, but the Briton could be jumping into the River Thames come July.

Formula E racer Sam Bird is hardly leaping into the unknown this season after five years in the all-electric series, but the Briton could be jumping into the River Thames come July. The 32-year-old told reporters on Tuesday, as he looked forward to season six that starts in Saudi Arabia on November 22-23, that he was prepared to take the plunge if he won his home London round. If his Virgin Racing team have to throw him a lifeline, it would not be the first time. Bird was Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes Formula One teammate in 2013, living the dream as a test and reserve driver while also finishing runner-up in the GP2 support series. And then it ended. Cut loose, he found himself in a single bedroom apartment with the electricity supply cut off and no money to pay the bills. The Briton remembers calling his parents in tears, telling them he would have to give up and become a personal trainer, before Virgin called to offer a seat in the first all-electric series. "I owe Formula E everything. It resurrected my career," he said. Fast forward, and Bird is his country's top electric driver while Hamilton probes ever deeper into the realms of greatness with his sixth Formula One championship. The contrast between their career paths is not lost on Bird, who is in no risk of being mobbed when he steps out into central London, but he has no doubt his compatriot deserves all the recognition. "He has to be considered as the greatest ever now, surely?," he said. "I’ve worked with him and seen what he can do, data-wise. I’ve never said it about any other driver, but he did things where you just think ‘I cannot do that. My skill level will just not allow me to do what he does’. "I worked with two other incredible drivers at Mercedes but you always felt like you could do it. Given enough time in the car, I felt I could do what they did. But with him sometimes there’s things that you just think, well that’s not achievable." Hamilton had arrived from McLaren to replace seven times champion Michael Schumacher alongside Nico Rosberg for the start of 2013 and would go on to win five of the next six championships. As one Briton took off, the other fell to earth with a bump. "I parted ways with Mercedes and all of a sudden I literally had nothing. I had no money and no income. I didn’t have any money that I’d saved up or anything like that," said Bird. "My electricity got cut off. I couldn’t afford my council tax bill." In Formula E, he has found a new life - a race winner in every season so far with a total of eight victories, Bird is third in the winners' list, and third overall in 2017-18. This season he will be up against a works Mercedes team for the first time, with the German carmaker joining Porsche as debutants. "I tend not to try and race with emotion. To me it’s just another team that I need to beat in order to be the best," said the Briton. "It’s great to have them on the grid. But it would be nice to keep them behind me."

Sam Bird ready to take the plunge as Formula E turns six

Back in the heart of Texas and a race track carved out of the scrubland, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-lewis-hamilton-wins-mexico-grand-prix-258410">Lewis Hamilton</a> was hit by the pioneering spirit on Thursday and declared that he wanted to be the man to lead Mercedes into uncharted territory.

Earlier, on a chilly day in the Texas capital, Formula One presented a dramatic overhaul of the sport by unveiling the car of the future along with regulations aimed at producing closer and cheaper competition from 2021.

While other drivers stared cautiously out into the unknown, Hamilton, who can clinch a sixth world driver's crown at the US&nbsp;Grand Prix on Sunday, sounded like he was ready to saddle up and get to work.

"I always love a challenge," Hamilton said. "This team has shown it is in the best position to react to changes.

"The team is approaching it in an exciting way as a challenge. It is going to be an interesting time.

"Sometime next year my mindset will be to switch into 2021 and wanting to be the pioneer in that era."

Of more immediate concern, Hamilton is focused on becoming only the second six-times Formula One world champion and may not need to score even a point in Austin to get the job done.

The Briton is the most successful driver in US&nbsp;Grand Prix history, his six wins including five in Texas, and he has every intention of adding to the tally after winning in Mexico last weekend.

If Hamilton finishes eighth on Sunday then the title is won regardless but he will not need to score any points at all to continue as champion if team mate and sole rival Valtteri Bottas does not win.

Austin is a favourite track for the 34-year-old and he will also be fancied to round up his Texan win tally to six on Sunday although he is taking nothing for granted.

"There's still three races and anything can happen so nothing is a given," said Hamilton. "It is a good hunting ground in general so I am going to be pushing very hard this weekend."

While winning driver's and constructors' titles have become old hat for Hamilton and Mercedes. the status quo is expected to be turned on its head when the new regulations come on line.

It will be uncharted territory for drivers and teams, who will be operating under a budget cap of $175 million, about half the amount that some of the top outfits such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-blames-mercedes-strategy-for-singapore-result-251434">Mercedes</a>, Ferrari and Red Bull spend at present.

"When there is a challenge such as a whole new massive change in the regulations that is a huge challenge for me to use my skills to help steer the team in the right direction," said Hamilton. "I don't particularly see myself going somewhere else.

"I love being part of Mercedes. I love being part of the brand. I love being part of the history."

Back in the heart of Texas and a race track carved out of the scrubland, Lewis Hamilton was hit by the pioneering spirit on Thursday and declared that he wanted to be the man to lead Mercedes into uncharted territory.

Back in the heart of Texas and a race track carved out of the scrubland, Lewis Hamilton was hit by the pioneering spirit on Thursday and declared that he wanted to be the man to lead Mercedes into uncharted territory. Earlier, on a chilly day in the Texas capital, Formula One presented a dramatic overhaul of the sport by unveiling the car of the future along with regulations aimed at producing closer and cheaper competition from 2021. While other drivers stared cautiously out into the unknown, Hamilton, who can clinch a sixth world driver's crown at the US Grand Prix on Sunday, sounded like he was ready to saddle up and get to work. "I always love a challenge," Hamilton said. "This team has shown it is in the best position to react to changes. "The team is approaching it in an exciting way as a challenge. It is going to be an interesting time. "Sometime next year my mindset will be to switch into 2021 and wanting to be the pioneer in that era." Of more immediate concern, Hamilton is focused on becoming only the second six-times Formula One world champion and may not need to score even a point in Austin to get the job done. The Briton is the most successful driver in US Grand Prix history, his six wins including five in Texas, and he has every intention of adding to the tally after winning in Mexico last weekend. If Hamilton finishes eighth on Sunday then the title is won regardless but he will not need to score any points at all to continue as champion if team mate and sole rival Valtteri Bottas does not win. Austin is a favourite track for the 34-year-old and he will also be fancied to round up his Texan win tally to six on Sunday although he is taking nothing for granted. "There's still three races and anything can happen so nothing is a given," said Hamilton. "It is a good hunting ground in general so I am going to be pushing very hard this weekend." While winning driver's and constructors' titles have become old hat for Hamilton and Mercedes. the status quo is expected to be turned on its head when the new regulations come on line. It will be uncharted territory for drivers and teams, who will be operating under a budget cap of $175 million, about half the amount that some of the top outfits such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull spend at present. "When there is a challenge such as a whole new massive change in the regulations that is a huge challenge for me to use my skills to help steer the team in the right direction," said Hamilton. "I don't particularly see myself going somewhere else. "I love being part of Mercedes. I love being part of the brand. I love being part of the history."

Hamilton hit by pioneering spirit as F1 charts new course

Lewis Hamilton won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-in-no-hurry-to-win-formula-one-title-in-mexico-255719">Mexican Grand Prix </a>for Mercedes after a first-lap scare on Sunday but the Briton will have to wait another week to wrap up his sixth Formula One world championship.

Hamilton's 10th win of the season and 83rd of his career was also a 100th for Mercedes as a constructor.

The victory stretched his lead over third-placed Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas to 74 points, making the title a mere formality that will surely be secured in Texas next weekend.

"We came here thinking we were on the back foot, knowing it was a difficult race for us, but we pulled through," said Hamilton, who had not finished on the podium in Mexico for the past two years despite taking his 2017 and 2018 titles there.

"I had quite a bit of damage on my car so the race was quite a bit of a struggle," said Hamilton, referring to the consequences of an opening lap clash with Red Bull's Max Verstappen that he described as 'hair-raising'.

"I don't mind (not taking the title in Mexico).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/valtteri-bottas-wins-japanese-grand-prix-for-mercedes-255605">Bottas</a> now has to win in Austin with the fastest lap to stay in the mathematical reckoning while Hamilton need score only four points, an eighth-place,&nbsp;&nbsp;to be sure of the title whatever his teammate does.

Ferrari's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-vettel-ends-long-wait-for-victory-with-singapore-triumph-251252">Sebastian Vettel </a>was a close second with team mate Charles Leclerc, who started from pole position and set the fastest lap but was undone by a two-stop strategy and a problem pitstop, fourth.

Hamilton made his car's hard tyres last for 48 laps to the finish on a one-stop strategy despite questioning the wisdom of that approach.

Without regular race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington for the first time in seven years, Hamilton suggested he had pitted too early,&nbsp;&nbsp;with chief strategist James Vowles having to reassure him over the radio that the win was possible.

Bottas, who crashed heavily in qualifying and started sixth after a lengthy car rebuild, said he could not have done much more on a slow-burning afternoon that was all about tyre management.

"I enjoyed it, considering yesterday. It's a good result," he said.

Mercedes have already secured the constructors' title for the sixth year in a row, and are also sure of an unprecedented sixth successive championship double.

Both Mercedes drivers lost out at the start, with Vettel squeezing out Hamilton, who had lined up third behind the two Ferraris but had to take avoiding action.

Four-times champion Vettel apologised to Hamilton, saying he had not seen him in his mirrors and was trying to get into Leclerc's slipstream for a tow down the straight.

Hamilton tracked across the grass runoff, wrestling with the steering wheel to prevent a race-wrecking spin, and returned in fifth place with Bottas losing a place to seventh.

As Leclerc led Vettel away, Red Bull's British-born Thai rookie Alexander Albon made the most of the mayhem to catapult himself into third place.

Verstappen, who was stripped of a pole on Saturday after failing to slow for warning flags, dropped to the back after contact with Bottas left the 22-year-old limping back to the pits on a wheel rim after a right rear puncture.

The Dutchman, winner in Mexico for the past two years, carved his way back through the field to sixth at the chequered flag with Albon fifth.

"Lewis was just cruising for most of the second stint up to the point where the pack was arriving, and then I guess he had enough tyres left," said Vettel of an afternoon on which he overruled the team on strategy and stayed out.

"It was a good race, but here and there maybe with a strategy we could have been a bit sharper."

Mexican Sergio Perez was seventh for Racing Point, to cheers from the sellout crowd.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was eighth for Renault with Frenchman Pierre Gasly ninth for Toro Rosso and German driver Nico Hulkenberg taking the final point for Renault.

Russian Daniil Kvyat finished ninth on the track but was handed a 10-second time penalty after colliding with Hulkenberg and sending him spinning into the wall.

Lewis Hamilton won the Mexican Grand Prix for Mercedes after a first-lap scare on Sunday but the Briton will have to wait another week to wrap up his sixth Formula One world championship.

Lewis Hamilton won the Mexican Grand Prix for Mercedes after a first-lap scare on Sunday but the Briton will have to wait another week to wrap up his sixth Formula One world championship. Hamilton's 10th win of the season and 83rd of his career was also a 100th for Mercedes as a constructor. The victory stretched his lead over third-placed Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas to 74 points, making the title a mere formality that will surely be secured in Texas next weekend. "We came here thinking we were on the back foot, knowing it was a difficult race for us, but we pulled through," said Hamilton, who had not finished on the podium in Mexico for the past two years despite taking his 2017 and 2018 titles there. "I had quite a bit of damage on my car so the race was quite a bit of a struggle," said Hamilton, referring to the consequences of an opening lap clash with Red Bull's Max Verstappen that he described as 'hair-raising'. "I don't mind (not taking the title in Mexico). Bottas now has to win in Austin with the fastest lap to stay in the mathematical reckoning while Hamilton need score only four points, an eighth-place, to be sure of the title whatever his teammate does. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was a close second with team mate Charles Leclerc, who started from pole position and set the fastest lap but was undone by a two-stop strategy and a problem pitstop, fourth. Hamilton made his car's hard tyres last for 48 laps to the finish on a one-stop strategy despite questioning the wisdom of that approach. Without regular race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington for the first time in seven years, Hamilton suggested he had pitted too early, with chief strategist James Vowles having to reassure him over the radio that the win was possible. Bottas, who crashed heavily in qualifying and started sixth after a lengthy car rebuild, said he could not have done much more on a slow-burning afternoon that was all about tyre management. "I enjoyed it, considering yesterday. It's a good result," he said. Mercedes have already secured the constructors' title for the sixth year in a row, and are also sure of an unprecedented sixth successive championship double. Both Mercedes drivers lost out at the start, with Vettel squeezing out Hamilton, who had lined up third behind the two Ferraris but had to take avoiding action. Four-times champion Vettel apologised to Hamilton, saying he had not seen him in his mirrors and was trying to get into Leclerc's slipstream for a tow down the straight. Hamilton tracked across the grass runoff, wrestling with the steering wheel to prevent a race-wrecking spin, and returned in fifth place with Bottas losing a place to seventh. As Leclerc led Vettel away, Red Bull's British-born Thai rookie Alexander Albon made the most of the mayhem to catapult himself into third place. Verstappen, who was stripped of a pole on Saturday after failing to slow for warning flags, dropped to the back after contact with Bottas left the 22-year-old limping back to the pits on a wheel rim after a right rear puncture. The Dutchman, winner in Mexico for the past two years, carved his way back through the field to sixth at the chequered flag with Albon fifth. "Lewis was just cruising for most of the second stint up to the point where the pack was arriving, and then I guess he had enough tyres left," said Vettel of an afternoon on which he overruled the team on strategy and stayed out. "It was a good race, but here and there maybe with a strategy we could have been a bit sharper." Mexican Sergio Perez was seventh for Racing Point, to cheers from the sellout crowd. Australian Daniel Ricciardo was eighth for Renault with Frenchman Pierre Gasly ninth for Toro Rosso and German driver Nico Hulkenberg taking the final point for Renault. Russian Daniil Kvyat finished ninth on the track but was handed a 10-second time penalty after colliding with Hulkenberg and sending him spinning into the wall.

F-1: Lewis Hamilton wins Mexico Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more.

More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign.

"I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races.

"Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added.

Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed.

"I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past.

"The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka.

"I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights.&nbsp;

"We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one.&nbsp;

"I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races."

Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton.

With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles.

Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May.

"It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion.&nbsp;

"I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him.&nbsp;

"Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today.

"I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more. More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign. "I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races. "Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added. Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed. "I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past. "The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka. "I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights. "We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one. "I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races." Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton. With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles. Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May. "It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion. "I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him. "Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today. "I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton in no hurry to win Formula One title in Mexico

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-grand-prix-cancelled-as-typhoon-hagibis-bears-down-on-suzuka-circuit-255084">disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix</a> and rugby's World Cup.

Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages.

The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety.

Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days.

Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts.

Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired.

Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned.

The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt.

Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon.

It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya.

Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites.

Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning.

Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down.

Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven &amp; I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo.

Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories.

Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and rugby's World Cup. Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages. The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. "The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety. Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days. Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts. Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired. Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned. The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt. Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon. It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites. Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning. Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down. Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven & I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories. Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said. Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

Japan's capital braces for what could be worst typhoon in 60 years

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-world-cup-games-axed-as-super-typhoon-bears-down-on-japan-254892">Typhoon Hagibis bears down</a> on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves.

The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. &nbsp;

"As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA.

"The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued.

The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled.

Safety first

Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather.&nbsp;

The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled.

The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather.

A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said.

The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes.

The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka.

French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma.

Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day.

"The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways."

The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday. Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves. The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. "As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA. "The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued. The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled. Safety first Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather. The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled. The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather. A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said. The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes. The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka. French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma. Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day. "The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways." The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

Japan Grand Prix cancelled as Typhoon Hagibis bears down on Suzuka circuit

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-world-cup-games-axed-as-super-typhoon-bears-down-on-japan-254892">Rugby's World Cup.</a>

Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages.

The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety.

Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days.

Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts.

Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired.

Japanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-grand-prix-cancelled-as-typhoon-hagibis-bears-down-on-suzuka-circuit-255084">Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled </a>all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned.

The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt.

Airline ANA Holdings&nbsp;cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon.

It and rival J<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flights-cancelled-as-typhoon-tapah-approaches-japan-251174">apan Airlines Co&nbsp;cancelled some flights</a> to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya.

Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites.

Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning.

Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down.

Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven &amp; I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo.

Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories.

Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said.

Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and Rugby's World Cup.

A powerful typhoon approached Japan on Friday, threatening to batter its capital with the heaviest rain and winds in 60 years, shutting down stores, factories and subway systems and disrupting a Formula One Grand Prix and Rugby's World Cup. Typhoon Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is due to make landfall on the main island of Honshu on Saturday, a month after one of the strongest typhoons to hit Japan in recent years destroyed or damaged 30,000 houses and caused extensive power outages. The storm could be the strongest to hit Tokyo since 1958 and people should also prepare for high waves and storm surges, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. "The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the agency told a news conference. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered his cabinet ministers to do their utmost to secure people's safety. Officials in the Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo, which was hit hard by typhoon Faxai a month ago, have told people to prepare supplies of food and water for up to three days. Some supermarkets ran out of bottled water and batteries. Twitter users posted photographs of bare shelves and traded tips on how to prepare for disruptions to water and power cuts. Many of more than 30,000 houses Typhoon Faxai destroyed or damaged in Chiba last month have yet to be repaired. Japanese Formula One Grand Prix organisers cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Saturday, adding that the qualifying round would be held on Sunday, before the final race takes place as planned. The approaching super typhoon has already forced the cancellation of two matches of the rugby World Cup on Saturday, while a Sunday match between host Japan and Scotland is in doubt. Airline ANA Holdings cancelled all domestic flights to and from Tokyo's two main airports from Friday afternoon. It and rival Japan Airlines Co cancelled some flights to and from airports servicing the major cities of Osaka and Nagoya. Most flights operating to and from those airports would be cancelled on Saturday, both airlines said on their websites. Train operators said they would suspend bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan and most operations between Nagoya and Osaka, in western Japan, from Saturday morning. Most train and subway lines in Tokyo are also due to be shut down. Tokyo Disneyland said it would close its theme park on Saturday, its first weather-related closure since a snowstorm in 1984. Retail giant Seven & I Holdings said it would shut its supermarkets and department stores in metropolitan Tokyo. Toyota Motor Corp announced it was suspending production at three factories. Storm surges are likely along the Pacific coast of Honshu on Saturday and Sunday, as is torrential rain, raising the risk of floods and landslides, public broadcaster NHK said. Typhoon Ida, known as the "Kanogawa Typhoon" in Japanese, killed more than 1,000 people in 1958.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him.&nbsp;

After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull.

"It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium.

"We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out.&nbsp;

"I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together.

"We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race.&nbsp;

"We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races.&nbsp;

"It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race."&nbsp;

Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race.

"The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners.&nbsp;

"Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added.&nbsp;

"I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia."&nbsp;

Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish. Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him. After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull. "It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium. "We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out. "I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together. "We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race. "We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races. "It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race." Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race. "The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners. "Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added. "I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia." Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

Lewis Hamilton blames Mercedes strategy for Singapore result

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth.

Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth. Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Charles Leclerc stuns with pole hat-trick in Singapore

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