F1 Gossip: ‘When Ferrari does not win, things have to change’

- Former Benetton and Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore has backed Ferrari’s decision to replace Maurizio Arrivabene with Mattia Binotto for 2019, adding “when you do not win things have to change” (Il Mattino in Italian)  

- F1 is not charging families for ‘grid kid’ privileges, after reports revealed some English Premier League football teams are charging as much as £700 for their children to act as mascots (RaceFans)

- Fernando Alonso won’t be able to in the IMSA race at Sebring after being ruled out by Toyota, with a WEC race taking place just two days earlier (sportscar365.com) 

- Esteban Ocon has started work at Mercedes’ Brackley factory this week in his new reserve and simulator role for the 2019 season (Instagram)

- Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas has revealed the livery he will run on his rally car when he makes his rallying debut in the Artic Lapland Rally later this month (Twitter)