Friday\u2019s fast-paced F1 news includes a rumour that Ferrari will not offer Lewis Hamilton a contract extension and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff branding former FIA race director Michael Masi a \u201clunatic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s fly through the day\u2019s main headlines at the speed of light\u2026<\/p>\n
Rumour: Ferrari opt against new Lewis Hamilton contract offer<\/p>\n
Ferrari will not offer Lewis Hamilton a new contract when the seven-time F1 world champion\u2019s current deal expires, it has been claimed.<\/p>\n
Hamilton has suffered a disappointing first season at Ferrari in F1 2025 following his blockbuster move from Mercedes last winter.<\/p>\n
The 40-year-old is yet to register a podium finish with his new team in 20 appearances.<\/p>\n
Read more:\u00a0Ferrari makes huge Lewis Hamilton contract decision \u2013 report<\/a><\/p>\n Toto Wolff brands former FIA race director Michael Masi a \u2018lunatic\u2019<\/p>\n Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has branded former FIA race director Michael Masi a \u201clunatic\u201d for his involvement in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title decider in 2021.<\/p>\n Lewis Hamilton, then of Mercedes, was denied a record eighth world championship after the safety car rules were implemented incorrectly, with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen claiming the first of four consecutive titles.<\/p>\n Masi left his role at the FIA following the controversy.<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0\u2018Greatest champion\u2019 Lewis Hamilton record destroyed as Wolff recalls \u2018lunatic\u2019 Masi<\/a><\/p>\n Former Red Bull mechanic recalls Damon Hill exchange after Abu Dhabi 2021<\/p>\n Former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas has recalled the \u201clook of disdain\u201d Sky F1 pundit Damon Hill gave him as he celebrated Max Verstappen\u2019s maiden title at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.<\/p>\n Hill, the 1996 world champion, has been a vocal critic of Verstappen\u2019s aggressive style of racing.<\/p>\n The 65-year-old parted company with Sky F1 at the end of 2024, Verstappen\u2019s fourth consecutive title-winning season.<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0Former Max Verstappen insider reveals Damon Hill \u2018disdain\u2019 in fresh 2021 Abu Dhabi insight<\/a><\/p>\n Red Bull teams set to appear at Ford 2026 season launch<\/p>\n Ford is to hold a season-launch event in the United States on January 15 2026, it has emerged.<\/p>\n And both the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls teams are set to appear at the event.<\/p>\n Ford will enter a technical partnership with Red Bull next season, working in a collaboration with the team\u2019s Powertrains division under the new F1 2026 rules.<\/p>\n