India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. &nbsp; She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles.&nbsp; In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then.&nbsp; A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-why-did-icc-penalise-india-pacer-gurnoor-brar-1784199279505">IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar?</a> Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend.&nbsp; “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-lionel-messi-dedicates-argentina-s-win-over-england-to-diego-maradona-1784198122173">FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona</a> Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

India’s 11-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir gave another compelling example of her precocious talent by outqualifying two Mercedes F1 junior drivers for pole position in the Champions of the Future Academy Program Round 3 here. Despite no testing on a rather technical Leopard Circuit, Atiqa, the first Indian to be backed by Formula 1 Academy, set sizzling pace in qualifying of the karting series. She beat established Mercedes F1 Junior drivers like Niccolo Perico of Italy and Devin Titz of Germany for pole position besides setting an event record, earning the plaudits from one and all in the paddock. Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month. Post the stellar pole position, Atiqa secured P2 and P3 in the Heats after engrossing battles. In the final, Atiqa started P2 and passed Niccolo for the lead. However, due to an engine mis-fire, she couldn’t hold on to the lead and lost places finally before recovering to finish P6. The results don’t reflect Atiqa’s sensational speed but she did make a mark with the audacious move for the lead on Lap 1 against Niccolo after outpacing him in qualifying. On Day 2, Atiqa was hit by engine trouble and qualified 27th. The organisers were quick to change her engine but the damage was done by then. A recovery drive followed and she charged through the field in every heat to start the final 18th on the grid. In the Final, Atiqa passed as many as nine karts in only one and a half laps before a fellow driver forced her out of the race with a collision from the side. The errant driver was duly penalised. Also Read - IND vs ENG: Why did ICC penalise India pacer Gurnoor Brar? Reflecting on a rollercoaster weekend, Atiqa said: “A bittersweet weekend for me, but I was able to show my pace against the world’s best and beat them. I feel confident in the kart every time I am on the track but the engine and equipment let me down this weekend. “It could have easily been another couple of podiums but they weren’t meant to be. Motorsports can be harsh sometimes. I am happy with my performance and couldn’t have done anything more” Also Read - FIFA WC 2026: Messi dedicates Argentina's win over England to Diego Maradona Atiqa’s father Asif Mir, who is India’s first national karting champion, said her daughter did all she could considering the sequence of events. “Atiqa had a stellar weekend and set the event record at Viterbo. The results don’t show the true picture. The DNF in Final was heartbreaking but she is a strong girl and will recover soon.” Atiqa will next be seen racing in Sweden later this month.

Atiqa’s special performance in qualifying came after she swept Round 2 of the COTFA series in Greece last month.

Atiqa beats two Mercedes F1 juniors to clinch pole position in Italy

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso knotted at Les Combes on Lap 1, leaving the Mercedes driver out of the race. The restart saw Verstappen line up eighth while Sainz led Perez-Leclerc having had to pit for mediums with a tear-off in his brake duct.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2022-hardik-pandya-stars-as-india-beat-pakistan-by-5-wickets-in-last-over-thriller-510973" hreflang="en">Asia Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya stars as India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in last-over thriller</a>

Verstappen made quick work of the cars ahead, sweeping into P3 by Lap 8 with only Perez and Sainz to beat. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had to retire from the opening lap after his Mercedes crashed with Fernando Alonso`s Alpine.

Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz held off Mercedes` George Russell to clinch third, while his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished sixth after a calamitous decision.

"It was quite a hectic first lap to try and stay out of trouble," said Verstappen in an official statement. "So many things were happening in front of me.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liv-golf-acquires-british-open-winner-cam-smith-in-addition-to-five-pga-tour-players-in-latest-haul-510976" hreflang="en">LIV Golf acquires British Open winner Cam Smith in addition to five PGA Tour players in latest haul</a>

"But once we settled in after the Safety Car, the car was really on rails, we picked the right places to pass people and we could look after our tyres and that is how we made our way forward," he added.

"After that, once we were in the lead it was all about managing everything - but this whole weekend has been incredible. It`s been a weekend I couldn`t imagine before, but I think we want more of them, so keep working hard," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull.

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari.

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix from P15 on the grid in a Red Bull one-two backed up by Sergio Perez, while pole-sitter Carlos Sainz finished P3 for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso knotted at Les Combes on Lap 1, leaving the Mercedes driver out of the race. The restart saw Verstappen line up eighth while Sainz led Perez-Leclerc having had to pit for mediums with a tear-off in his brake duct. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya stars as India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in last-over thriller Verstappen made quick work of the cars ahead, sweeping into P3 by Lap 8 with only Perez and Sainz to beat. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had to retire from the opening lap after his Mercedes crashed with Fernando Alonso`s Alpine. Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz held off Mercedes` George Russell to clinch third, while his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc finished sixth after a calamitous decision. "It was quite a hectic first lap to try and stay out of trouble," said Verstappen in an official statement. "So many things were happening in front of me. ALSO READ: LIV Golf acquires British Open winner Cam Smith in addition to five PGA Tour players in latest haul "But once we settled in after the Safety Car, the car was really on rails, we picked the right places to pass people and we could look after our tyres and that is how we made our way forward," he added. "After that, once we were in the lead it was all about managing everything - but this whole weekend has been incredible. It`s been a weekend I couldn`t imagine before, but I think we want more of them, so keep working hard," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull.

Max Verstappen cruises to victory after starting at P14 at the Belgian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton suffers

Lewis Hamilton may never get over the pain of being 'robbed'&nbsp;of a record eighth Formula One title, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said on Thursday in comments that raised doubts about the driver's future in the sport.

The Austrian, speaking to reporters for the first time since Sunday's race in Abu Dhabi and after Mercedes dropped plans to appeal, said he and Hamilton would not be attending the FIA's gala awards in Paris that evening.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen will be handed his trophy at the ceremony and the top three drivers are obliged to attend the prizegiving under article 6.6 of the Formula One sporting regulations.

Hamilton lost out to Verstappen after the Dutch driver overtook him on the last lap at Yas Marina, benefiting from a sudden change to the safety car procedure that allowed racing to resume.

"It's going to take a long time for us to digest what has happened on Sunday. I don`t think we will ever come over it, that`s not possible," said Wolff.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mercedes-f1-team-drops-appeal-and-congratulates-max-verstappen-for-maiden-title-win-437393">Mercedes F1 team drops appeal and congratulates Max Verstappen for maiden title win</a>

"And certainly not him (Hamilton) as a driver. I would very much hope the two of us and the rest of the team we can work through the events... But he will never overcome the pain and the distress that was caused on Sunday."

Hamilton spoke briefly after Sunday's race to 2009 world champion Jenson Button before the podium ceremonies but did no media post-race and has not spoken publicly since.

He also avoided saying anything after being knighted at Windsor Palace on Wednesday.

CLEAR VALUES

Asked directly whether Hamilton, who turns 37 in January and has two years remaining on his contract, would be back next year, Wolff indicated that was not a certainty.

"I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time," he said.

"As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he's at the peak of his game," he added. "But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values."

Mercedes won the constructors'&nbsp;title for an unprecedented eighth year in a row and Wolff said technical head James Allison would be in Paris to collect the trophy on behalf of all the workforce.

"I won't be there because of my loyalty to Lewis and because of my own personal integrity," he said.

Wolff was confident Mercedes could have won a legal battle but there was "a difference between right and obtaining justice."

He said every decision was taken with Hamilton.

"It was tremendously hard for him and for us as a team to withdraw the appeal, because we were wronged," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-sachin-to-rosberg-how-sporting-fraternity-reacted-to-max-verstappens-thrilling-maiden-f1-win-436510">From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win</a>

"My soul and my heart cries with every bone that this should have been judged in the right way."

Wolff said there had been no contact with race director Michael Masi, who made the safety car decision, since Sunday.

"I`m not interested in having a conversation with Michael Masi," he said.

"The decisions that have been taken in the last four minutes of this race have robbed Lewis Hamilton of a deserved world championship. He won the start and he never gave the lead away again.

"Robbing him on the last lap of the race is unacceptable... my values, my sense of integrity, just isn`t compatible with the decisions that have been made on Sunday."

Lewis Hamilton may never get over the pain of being 'robbed' of a record eighth Formula One title, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said on Thursday in comments that raised doubts about the driver's future in the sport.

Lewis Hamilton may never get over the pain of being 'robbed' of a record eighth Formula One title, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said on Thursday in comments that raised doubts about the driver's future in the sport. The Austrian, speaking to reporters for the first time since Sunday's race in Abu Dhabi and after Mercedes dropped plans to appeal, said he and Hamilton would not be attending the FIA's gala awards in Paris that evening. Red Bull's Max Verstappen will be handed his trophy at the ceremony and the top three drivers are obliged to attend the prizegiving under article 6.6 of the Formula One sporting regulations. Hamilton lost out to Verstappen after the Dutch driver overtook him on the last lap at Yas Marina, benefiting from a sudden change to the safety car procedure that allowed racing to resume. "It's going to take a long time for us to digest what has happened on Sunday. I don`t think we will ever come over it, that`s not possible," said Wolff. ALSO READ: Mercedes F1 team drops appeal and congratulates Max Verstappen for maiden title win "And certainly not him (Hamilton) as a driver. I would very much hope the two of us and the rest of the team we can work through the events... But he will never overcome the pain and the distress that was caused on Sunday." Hamilton spoke briefly after Sunday's race to 2009 world champion Jenson Button before the podium ceremonies but did no media post-race and has not spoken publicly since. He also avoided saying anything after being knighted at Windsor Palace on Wednesday. CLEAR VALUES Asked directly whether Hamilton, who turns 37 in January and has two years remaining on his contract, would be back next year, Wolff indicated that was not a certainty. "I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time," he said. "As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he's at the peak of his game," he added. "But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values." Mercedes won the constructors' title for an unprecedented eighth year in a row and Wolff said technical head James Allison would be in Paris to collect the trophy on behalf of all the workforce. "I won't be there because of my loyalty to Lewis and because of my own personal integrity," he said. Wolff was confident Mercedes could have won a legal battle but there was "a difference between right and obtaining justice." He said every decision was taken with Hamilton. "It was tremendously hard for him and for us as a team to withdraw the appeal, because we were wronged," he added. ALSO READ: From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win "My soul and my heart cries with every bone that this should have been judged in the right way." Wolff said there had been no contact with race director Michael Masi, who made the safety car decision, since Sunday. "I`m not interested in having a conversation with Michael Masi," he said. "The decisions that have been taken in the last four minutes of this race have robbed Lewis Hamilton of a deserved world championship. He won the start and he never gave the lead away again. "Robbing him on the last lap of the race is unacceptable... my values, my sense of integrity, just isn`t compatible with the decisions that have been made on Sunday."

Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff casts doubt on Lewis Hamilton future, both to shun FIA gala awards

Lewis Hamilton's&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;team on Thursday withdrew their appeal against Max Verstappen's controversial title-winning victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Verstappen overtook the British driver on the last lap on Sunday to clinch his first drivers' title and deny his rival a record eighth crown.

The deployment of the safety car after a late crash at the Yas Marina Circuit had wiped out Hamilton's seemingly unassailable lead and Verstappen had the advantage as he was using fresher tyres.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-sachin-to-rosberg-how-sporting-fraternity-reacted-to-max-verstappens-thrilling-maiden-f1-win-436510">From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win</a>

The furious&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;team had an immediate double appeal dismissed by the stewards, then lodged an intention to appeal against that decision, which they were required to trigger by Thursday evening.

But&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;issued a lengthy statement announcing they were drawing a line under the issue.

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— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1471419870680125441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The team said they had made the decision following "constructive dialogue" with governing body FIA over establishing clarity for future racing scenarios.

"We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision-making in Formula 1,"&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;said in a statement.

"We also welcome that they have invited the teams and drivers to take part.

"The&nbsp;Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 -- for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-gp-mercedes-protest-after-max-verstappen-beats-lewis-hamilton-to-win-f1-title-436362">Abu Dhabi GP: Mercedes protest after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 title</a>

Mercedes, who won the constructors' title, said they had initially appealed against the result in the interests of "sporting fairness".

The team also offered congratulations to Verstappen and Red Bull, saying the F1 championship title fight had been "truly epic".

"Though this drivers' championship did not end the way we hoped, we could not be prouder of our team," the statement added.

"Lewis, you are the greatest racer in the history of Formula 1 and you drove your heart out for every lap of this incredible season. You're a flawless sportsman on and off the track and you delivered a faultless performance."

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team on Thursday withdrew their appeal against Max Verstappen's controversial title-winning victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull's Verstappen overtook the British driver on the last lap on Sunday to clinch his first drivers' title and deny his rival a record eighth crown.

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team on Thursday withdrew their appeal against Max Verstappen's controversial title-winning victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull's Verstappen overtook the British driver on the last lap on Sunday to clinch his first drivers' title and deny his rival a record eighth crown. The deployment of the safety car after a late crash at the Yas Marina Circuit had wiped out Hamilton's seemingly unassailable lead and Verstappen had the advantage as he was using fresher tyres. ALSO READ: From Sachin to Rosberg: How sporting fraternity reacted to Max Verstappen's thrilling maiden F1 win The furious Mercedes team had an immediate double appeal dismissed by the stewards, then lodged an intention to appeal against that decision, which they were required to trigger by Thursday evening. But Mercedes issued a lengthy statement announcing they were drawing a line under the issue. Team Statement - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pic.twitter.com/tgrBjrNkcz — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 16, 2021 × The team said they had made the decision following "constructive dialogue" with governing body FIA over establishing clarity for future racing scenarios. "We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision-making in Formula 1," Mercedes said in a statement. "We also welcome that they have invited the teams and drivers to take part. "The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team will actively work with this commission to build a better Formula 1 -- for every team and every fan who loves this sport as much as we do. We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal." ALSO READ | Abu Dhabi GP: Mercedes protest after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 title Mercedes, who won the constructors' title, said they had initially appealed against the result in the interests of "sporting fairness". The team also offered congratulations to Verstappen and Red Bull, saying the F1 championship title fight had been "truly epic". "Though this drivers' championship did not end the way we hoped, we could not be prouder of our team," the statement added. "Lewis, you are the greatest racer in the history of Formula 1 and you drove your heart out for every lap of this incredible season. You're a flawless sportsman on and off the track and you delivered a faultless performance."

Mercedes F1 team drops appeal and congratulates Max Verstappen for maiden title win

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either. 
 
The 100km qualifying race was trialled for the second time at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, but drivers struggled to overtake. 
 
Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton made a poor start and ended up fourth on the grid for Sunday`s main race, with title rival Max Verstappen putting his Red Bull on pole. 
 
Valtteri Bottas won the sprint for Mercedes, leading all the way, but the Finn will start last on Sunday due to engine penalties. 
 
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has suggested reverse grids could be used next season while Formula One is also considering running sprint races as stand-alone events unrelated to Sunday`s grand prix. 
 
Asked for his opinion, Wolff told reporters he felt the experiments were `diluting the DNA of the sport as a meritocracy. 
 
"I think the sprint races was worth the try, not sure we will keep them," he added. 
 
"Reverse grids can be done in junior formulas where you want to see the overtaking abilities of drivers but its not something we should even come close to in Formula One." 
 
Wolff said his preference would be to reduce the amount of practice time. 
 
"Start Friday afternoon with FP1 (first practice), do a Saturday morning FP2, do a conventional qualifying like we do and a fantastic grand prix on Sunday," he said. 
 
"And maybe you want to do some warm-up on Sunday morning, to have a little bit more spectacle for the people. I would just shorten the free practice sessions so there is more variability in the results, keep the rest like it is." 
 
The Austrian said everybody was confused with the sprint format and it "doesn`t give a lot of benefit" because nobody was prepared to take a serious risk. 
 
Formula One has scheduled a third sprint for Brazil in November and Wolff agreed the sport should give it another try and see if anything changed. 
 
Formula One managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said it had been a "little bit quiet" at the front of the field but that happened in races anyway and the potential was evident. 
 
"I think it`s added to the whole weekend," he said. 
 
The Briton said drivers had been generally positive but some felt there should be more reward for the sprint and also more jeopardy. 
 
"If we`re doing that, then maybe a stand-alone event is a consideration. Qualifying on a Friday, race on a Sunday but a stand-alone event with some decent reward but maybe a little bit of jeopardy in the grid and how you start it," he said. 
 
"We don`t want gimmicks, we don`t want to cannibalise, we don`t want to affect the integrity." 
 
Brawn said there had been much more engagement with fans on a Friday.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dismissed Formula One`s experimental Saturday sprint format as `not fish, not meat` and said it was not doing much for the sport either. The 100km qualifying race was trialled for the second time at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, but drivers struggled to overtake. Mercedes` seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton made a poor start and ended up fourth on the grid for Sunday`s main race, with title rival Max Verstappen putting his Red Bull on pole. Valtteri Bottas won the sprint for Mercedes, leading all the way, but the Finn will start last on Sunday due to engine penalties. Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has suggested reverse grids could be used next season while Formula One is also considering running sprint races as stand-alone events unrelated to Sunday`s grand prix. Asked for his opinion, Wolff told reporters he felt the experiments were `diluting the DNA of the sport as a meritocracy. "I think the sprint races was worth the try, not sure we will keep them," he added. "Reverse grids can be done in junior formulas where you want to see the overtaking abilities of drivers but its not something we should even come close to in Formula One." Wolff said his preference would be to reduce the amount of practice time. "Start Friday afternoon with FP1 (first practice), do a Saturday morning FP2, do a conventional qualifying like we do and a fantastic grand prix on Sunday," he said. "And maybe you want to do some warm-up on Sunday morning, to have a little bit more spectacle for the people. I would just shorten the free practice sessions so there is more variability in the results, keep the rest like it is." The Austrian said everybody was confused with the sprint format and it "doesn`t give a lot of benefit" because nobody was prepared to take a serious risk. Formula One has scheduled a third sprint for Brazil in November and Wolff agreed the sport should give it another try and see if anything changed. Formula One managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn said it had been a "little bit quiet" at the front of the field but that happened in races anyway and the potential was evident. "I think it`s added to the whole weekend," he said. The Briton said drivers had been generally positive but some felt there should be more reward for the sprint and also more jeopardy. "If we`re doing that, then maybe a stand-alone event is a consideration. Qualifying on a Friday, race on a Sunday but a stand-alone event with some decent reward but maybe a little bit of jeopardy in the grid and how you start it," he said. "We don`t want gimmicks, we don`t want to cannibalise, we don`t want to affect the integrity." Brawn said there had been much more engagement with fans on a Friday.

Mercedes boss says F1 sprint format is 'not fish, not meat'

Mercedes on Wednesday announced that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who tested positive for COVID-19, will be replaced by George Russell of Williams at Formula One’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain.

Williams reserve Jack Aitken is set to replace Russell at Williams this weekend and will join Nicholas Latifi. Hence, Russell will become just the third Briton to represent Mercedes in Formula One after Stirling Moss and Lewis Hamilton.

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It's official ✍️😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeRussell63?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeRussell63</a> will replace Lewis this weekend in Sakhir 👊
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1334037588315926534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-gutted-after-positive-covid-19-test-346756" hreflang="en">Hamilton 'gutted' after positive COVID-19 test</a>

"Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity," said Russell.

"I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I'm a Williams driver and I'll be cheering my team on every step of the way."

"A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me," added Russell.

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Very few people are lucky enough to drive for an <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> team each year. I'm about to get the chance to drive for two. 
 
Unbelievably grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamsRacing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WilliamsRacing</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> for this opportunity. 
 
Thank you all 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/x2ZGMWOX8A">pic.twitter.com/x2ZGMWOX8A</a>
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeRussell63/status/1334031088298172417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car.&nbsp;

"Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity and can't wait to get out on track this week."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-tests-positive-for-covid-19-to-miss-sakhir-gp-346643" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton tests positive for COVID-19, to miss Sakhir GP</a>

Russell has been part of the Mercedes-Benz junior programme since 2017 and won the GP3 Series championship as a rookie. He achieved the feat again in Formula 2 in 2018 and will now get a golden chance to drive the Formula One world championship-winning car alongside star driver Valtteri Bottas in the penultimate race of the 2020 season.

Mercedes further said that they would announce the next race weekend driver plans for the season finale at Abu Dhabi a week later.

Hamilton is undergoing self-isolation after suffering mild symptoms of COVID-19 and faces a fight to be able to compete in Abu Dhabi due to the strict COVID-19 rules. All the personnel must travel from Bahrain on December 7 to be able to take part in the race.

Earlier, Hamilton sealed his seventh world title in Turkey two races ago to equal the all-time record of Michael Schumacher. 
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Mercedes on Wednesday announced that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who tested positive for COVID-19, will be replaced by George Russell of Williams at Formula One’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain.

Mercedes on Wednesday announced that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who tested positive for COVID-19, will be replaced by George Russell of Williams at Formula One’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain. Williams reserve Jack Aitken is set to replace Russell at Williams this weekend and will join Nicholas Latifi. Hence, Russell will become just the third Briton to represent Mercedes in Formula One after Stirling Moss and Lewis Hamilton. It's official ✍️😉 @GeorgeRussell63 will replace Lewis this weekend in Sakhir 👊 — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 2, 2020 × ALSO READ: Hamilton 'gutted' after positive COVID-19 test "Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity," said Russell. "I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I'm a Williams driver and I'll be cheering my team on every step of the way." "A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me," added Russell. Very few people are lucky enough to drive for an @F1 team each year. I'm about to get the chance to drive for two. Unbelievably grateful to @WilliamsRacing and @MercedesAMGF1 for this opportunity. Thank you all 🙏 pic.twitter.com/x2ZGMWOX8A — George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 2, 2020 × "Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. "Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity and can't wait to get out on track this week." ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton tests positive for COVID-19, to miss Sakhir GP Russell has been part of the Mercedes-Benz junior programme since 2017 and won the GP3 Series championship as a rookie. He achieved the feat again in Formula 2 in 2018 and will now get a golden chance to drive the Formula One world championship-winning car alongside star driver Valtteri Bottas in the penultimate race of the 2020 season. Mercedes further said that they would announce the next race weekend driver plans for the season finale at Abu Dhabi a week later. Hamilton is undergoing self-isolation after suffering mild symptoms of COVID-19 and faces a fight to be able to compete in Abu Dhabi due to the strict COVID-19 rules. All the personnel must travel from Bahrain on December 7 to be able to take part in the race. Earlier, Hamilton sealed his seventh world title in Turkey two races ago to equal the all-time record of Michael Schumacher.

Williams' George Russell to replace COVID-stricken Lewis Hamilton for Sakhir Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

The Briton needs only to prevent his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas outscoring him by eight points to retain his crown and, in the eyes of many including former Ferrari rival Felipe Massa, move on to become the most successful in F1 history.

A seventh championship would draw him level with Massa's erstwhile Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher for titles, but with the record for wins, poles and podiums, as well as consecutive points finishes, he will in many eyes already be the "greatest of all time".

Brazilian Massa, who himself missed out on a title triumph when Hamilton claimed his first in Sao Paulo in 2008, has no doubt that the Englishman, whose contract expires later this year, will deserve that soubriquet and a salary to match it.

"Lewis can really be the best of the best and everybody will say that for years and years, or maybe decades, or whatever," he told the F1 Nation podcast.

"So, I think he is just preparing his two or three-year contract, which I think he deserves.

"What he is doing... He shows that he definitely deserves it –- to be different to all of the other drivers in terms of everything and even in terms of salary."

Hamilton departed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola earlier this month with an enigmatic suggestion, after his record-increasing 93rd win had secured Mercedes' unparalleled seventh consecutive constructors' championship, that he may not return to racing in 2021.

<h2>- Bumper new deal -</h2>

Notions of retirement were rejected by his team chief Toto Wolff, who is also out of contract this year. Massa suggested Hamilton is set for a bumper new deal ahead of any confirmed "salary cap" in the sport.

"I remember when Michael was my team-mate and he was like that," he recalled. "Michael was completely different to everybody in terms of everything –- in records, numbers and salary.

"For sure, Michael helped many other drivers to increase their salary. That's what Lewis is, in my view, trying to do. I think he is 'doing right' and he deserves it."

In the simplest terms, Hamilton will be champion again if he beats Bottas, who trails him by 85 points with four races remaining. For the Finn to keep alive his own title bid, he must out-score Hamilton by nine points or more.

Given that Hamilton has beaten him at 10 of this year's 13 races to date and has been in the points at a record 46 consecutive races, Bottas faces a daunting challenge.

Even if he wins on Sunday at the Istanbul Park Circuit, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2011, Hamilton can still take the title by finishing second and clocking the fastest lap.

With the title race reduced to a duel between the two 'silver arrows' drivers, many other teams have turned already to plans for next season – Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto deciding to stay in Italy to concentrate on car development.

Sporting director Laurent Mekies will take charge, but maintain close contact with Binotto, missing his first race since taking over last year.

"He has taken an innovative approach so his voice and input will be heard loud and clear," he said.

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix. The Briton needs only to prevent his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas outscoring him by eight points to retain his crown and, in the eyes of many including former Ferrari rival Felipe Massa, move on to become the most successful in F1 history. A seventh championship would draw him level with Massa's erstwhile Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher for titles, but with the record for wins, poles and podiums, as well as consecutive points finishes, he will in many eyes already be the "greatest of all time". Brazilian Massa, who himself missed out on a title triumph when Hamilton claimed his first in Sao Paulo in 2008, has no doubt that the Englishman, whose contract expires later this year, will deserve that soubriquet and a salary to match it. "Lewis can really be the best of the best and everybody will say that for years and years, or maybe decades, or whatever," he told the F1 Nation podcast. "So, I think he is just preparing his two or three-year contract, which I think he deserves. "What he is doing... He shows that he definitely deserves it –- to be different to all of the other drivers in terms of everything and even in terms of salary." Hamilton departed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola earlier this month with an enigmatic suggestion, after his record-increasing 93rd win had secured Mercedes' unparalleled seventh consecutive constructors' championship, that he may not return to racing in 2021. - Bumper new deal - Notions of retirement were rejected by his team chief Toto Wolff, who is also out of contract this year. Massa suggested Hamilton is set for a bumper new deal ahead of any confirmed "salary cap" in the sport. "I remember when Michael was my team-mate and he was like that," he recalled. "Michael was completely different to everybody in terms of everything –- in records, numbers and salary. "For sure, Michael helped many other drivers to increase their salary. That's what Lewis is, in my view, trying to do. I think he is 'doing right' and he deserves it." In the simplest terms, Hamilton will be champion again if he beats Bottas, who trails him by 85 points with four races remaining. For the Finn to keep alive his own title bid, he must out-score Hamilton by nine points or more. Given that Hamilton has beaten him at 10 of this year's 13 races to date and has been in the points at a record 46 consecutive races, Bottas faces a daunting challenge. Even if he wins on Sunday at the Istanbul Park Circuit, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2011, Hamilton can still take the title by finishing second and clocking the fastest lap. With the title race reduced to a duel between the two 'silver arrows' drivers, many other teams have turned already to plans for next season – Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto deciding to stay in Italy to concentrate on car development. Sporting director Laurent Mekies will take charge, but maintain close contact with Binotto, missing his first race since taking over last year. "He has taken an innovative approach so his voice and input will be heard loud and clear," he said.

Hamilton poised to clinch seventh title and set up contract talks

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