F1 Gossip: Hamilton makes bumper new Mercedes deal demand?

In today's Formula 1 gossip column, Lewis Hamilton requests bumper new contract extension with Mercedes, Lawrence Stroll takes a "much deeper interest" in Racing Point and Charles Leclerc backed for title succcess by FIA president Jean Todt. 

- Lewis Hamilton has requested a bumper new four-year contract that would see him earn €55million (£46million) a year at Mercedes, according to reports in Italian media (Corriere dello Sport, via Marca) 

- FIA president Jean Todt fully believes Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has all the qualities required to become an F1 world champion (La Gazette de Monaco, via Corriere dello Sport) 

- Racing Point CEO Otmar Szafnauer says new owner Lawrence Stroll “takes a much deeper interest” in the team compared to his predecessor Vijay Mallya (RaceFans) 

- F1 has scrapped plans to photograph all 10 2020 cars together ahead of the start of testing to commemorate the championship’s 70th anniversary due to logistical concerns (RaceFans, via AS) 

- Carlos Sainz Jr is thriving in having a supportive team network around him at McLaren, according to CEO Zak Brown (Formula1.com) 

- The FIA Motorsport Games will return for its second edition later this year with Marseille the host city and Circuit Paul Ricard acting as the venues (FIA Motorsport Games) 

Social media round-up:

The Bulls had a very cool weekend at #Kitzbühel with @redbull #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/JSI7OqcF4M

— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) January 27, 2020

Throwback to winter break

: IG-johnnystillphoto pic.twitter.com/RIRF0PjaGB

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) January 25, 2020

Waiting for @F1 season to start like..#VB77 #F1 @MercedesAMGF1
By @kpohckyvisuals pic.twitter.com/wziezYtRUc

— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) January 24, 2020