Sebastian Vettel would have been world champion if he had the same support from Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton did from Mercedes.

That is the claim from former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone as he reflected on another year of close but not close enough for his good friend.

After a strong start to the year that saw the German leading the championship at the halfway point, the season fizzled out from Monza onwards through what many considered as a combination of errors by both driver and team.

Ecclestone, however, disagreed: “Lewis Hamilton is a deserved 2018 F1 champion and Vettel an undeserved second in the championship,” the Briton told Auto Bild.

“Lewis was outstanding this year but he also had the full support of the team. You can’t say that for Sebastian."

Bernie, who now holds the title of chairman emeritus in F1 after being displaced by Chase Carey at the start of 2017, also believes a sad event in July proved the deciding factor.

“After [Sergio] Marchionne’s death, a strong hand was missing and there was more chaos than structure," he claimed.

“From the outside, you had the impression that Ferrari did more for Kimi [Raikkonen] than for Sebastian.

“Sebastian is a victim, not the culprit," Ecclestone stated. "If Vettel had the same support like Lewis, Vettel would have also become champion this year.

“A team needs to strengthen their star driver not weaken him.”

Also Read:

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• Ferrari boss Arrivabene: The 'real Vettel' was back in final races of 2018
• Vettel admits he and Ferrari have room for improvement in 2019

Another key figure who believes the sudden death of the former Ferrari chairman played a significant role in the team's dip was former team boss turned FIA president Jean Todt.

"Talking about Ferrari I would like to have a word about Sergio Marchionne," he said to Sky Sports.

"It has been a very sad and unexpected death and he was a strong leader, he loved what he was doing but his heart was with Ferrari and F1.

“He was so keen to have Ferrari at the top level and Ferrari is at the top level but little things were missing.

"Sometimes they had the best package, sometimes it did not happen and at the end of the day all was finalised at the second part of the season where Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes took the lead."

Valtteri Bottas has ruled out turning to his predecessor Nico Rosberg for advice on how to beat Lewis Hamilton.

The German was the last driver to beat the Briton in 2016, doing so in part due to mechanical issues for the now five-time Formula 1 champion but also playing mind games which resulted in a very bitter rivalry within Mercedes.

After a tough 2018 which saw Bottas fail to win a race due to bad luck initially and then team orders later on, the question was asked if the Finn might seek Nico's counsel.

“No, because every person and every athlete is completely different,” he told FormulaRapida.net in Abu Dhabi. “I have to find my own way to be the best version of me – as a driver and as a person.”

Also Read:

• Bottas to approach 2019 'like I have nothing to lose'
• Bottas the 'only slight flaw' in another successful year for Mercedes

Pressure is building on the 29-year-old to perform next season, however, with only one certain year on his contract and now the shadow of reserve driver Esteban Ocon lurking over his shoulder.

Max Verstappen has suggested he does have a 'Plan B' should the new Red Bull-Honda partnership fail to succeed in the next two years.

The Anglo-Austrian team has hyped up their change in engine supplier for 2019, believing the switch to the Japanese manufacturer will be the boost Red Bull need to compete regularly with Mercedes and Ferrari.

Despite that, there is still the admission that it will take a little time for Honda to match Formula 1's current standard bearers in terms of engine performance and Verstappen is among those making that claim.

"I really like this team and I'm sure we can build the fastest car ever," the 21-year-old reportedly told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We just need the engine to reach the right level and next year we must try to go strong and set the stage for 2020, when the project is fighting for the title."

If that isn't the case, however, he added: "There is always a Plan B…"

Also Read:

• Red Bull's season could have been 'quite different' with an extra 50hp
• Gasly: Honda can match Mercedes & Ferrari but will need time
• "Realistic" Verstappen insists Red Bull not bluffing over Honda potential

That could mean a repeat of 2017 when Verstappen was looking at options elsewhere before eventually committing to a deal with Red Bull until the end of 2020.

During that time Mercedes, in particular, showed a great deal of interest and with Lewis Hamilton's contract ending at the same time, perhaps Max in Silver can't be ruled out.

Charles Leclerc's arrival at Ferrari could be the motivation Sebastian Vettel needs to step up in 2019, Formula 1 motorsport chief Ross Brawn believes.

The Monegasque is moving up to the Scuderia and bringing a great amount of expectation with him after a very strong rookie season at Sauber saw him finish 13th in the Drivers' Championship.

As another member of the next generation of drivers to challenge the established veterans at the front, many also think the hunger of a 21-year-old like Leclerc could see him beat Vettel ala Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2014.

And Brawn agrees the four-time world champion will be kept on his toes.

“The young Monegasque has been truly impressive in terms of speed and talent but now he has to make a significant step up," he said in his post-season debrief with the media.

"I’m sure his arrival at Ferrari will be a boost for the team and an added incentive for Vettel next year.

“Vettel was a worthy opponent for Lewis Hamilton but unlike the Englishman, the German failed to win all of the races he should have, nor could he win when he wasn’t favourite to do so."

Also Read:

• Leclerc leads on Ferrari debut on final day of Abu Dhabi tyre test
• Ferrari 'must be ready' for Leclerc challenges in 2019
• Hamilton claims he must raise his game against Verstappen & Leclerc

Reflecting on Ferrari's 2018 season, while the dip after summer break ultimately proved costly, Brawn believes the team can be proud of their achievements despite the disappointment back home.

“When one doesn’t win a world championship that had seemed very winnable, it’s inevitable that questions are asked in order to understand what went wrong," he claimed.

“When the team in question is Ferrari, then the question is not just asked at the top but it becomes almost a national question in Italy, as I was able to see for myself during my decade in Maranello.

“Ferrari is condemned for finishing second in both championships, as it’s simply not good enough at home. And yet, there can be cause for satisfaction in Maranello, because over two years the team has managed to close a performance gap to Mercedes that in 2016 amounted to a second a lap.

“The shakeup of the technical management instigated by Sergio Marchionne bore fruit this year, with many new faces on the front line but I think most importantly it resulted in a new approach to the way the team operated and that gave the team a new spirit.”

Daniel Ricciardo denies money played a part in his failed attempt to join Ferrari in 2019.

The Australian was speculated to be in talks for the Scuderia to replace Kimi Raikkonen next season but they fizzled out and resulted in his surprise decision to join Renault instead.

At the time it was suggested the salary the now former Red Bull driver was demanding was the reason for Ferrari ending discussions but now Ricciardo believes his chances of a move to Maranello were always slim.

"I can't say why, I don't know what you're talking about," he was quoted by GPFans.com. 

"Who said I'd asked for too much money? Evidently, someone said no to my arrival. Who? I'd like to know, but maybe I have an idea.

"We had discussions, but you could see that they had already made arrangements with [Charles] Leclerc, so my talks fell through.

"I hope for them that it's the right choice and that it works out well," he added. "As far as I'm concerned, I hope to still be in F1 for some time and maybe there will be an opportunity to meet again."

Also Read:

• Ricciardo baffled by lack of Ferrari interest
• Leclerc can be the 'incentive' Vettel needs to improve in 2019
• Ricciardo: Renault move 'terrifying' but 'I had to take this step'

Last Friday, Ricciardo also said his final goodbyes to those at Red Bull in an event at the factory in Milton Keynes.

His exit brings to an end a 10-year association which saw him claim seven wins during a five-year stint at the senior team but the 'Honey Badger' admits the fanfare around the departure has made something else clear to him.

“It’s been cool. What I think is helping me not think about it too much is that I’m not retiring, if I was retiring, I think it would be a different story," Ricciardo claimed.

“I’m just moving next door, so to speak and it’s certainly made me realise, though, that I’m not ready to retire.

“The way some people talked about it, I was like, ‘I’d hate to be retiring right now!'”

FIA president Jean Todt has recommended Max Verstappen become a race steward as part of his two days of public service.

The Dutchman was given the order after pushing Esteban Ocon in parc ferme following their collision on track in Brazil and two weeks later, Max admitted he still wasn't sure what it would entail.

“When you have these kinds of exposures, this kind of fame, it gives you also responsibilities,” the FIA president told Sky Sports.

“So it means that whatever your emotions you must be able to control them and to respect your supporters, to respect your word.

“If not you have some consequences. But I will say the consequences finally are quite small. Rightly so.

“What’ll it be? Honestly, nothing has been decided," Todt admitted. “But clearly it has to be something that will be supportive to the Formula 1 world, supportive to the racing world."

Also Read:

• Verstappen admits bold Ocon moves in Abu Dhabi 'revenge for Brazil'
• Verstappen: I don't understand backlash to pushing Ocon in Brazil

Given Verstappen is known for his outbursts at almost every stewards' decision against him, the former Ferrari boss believes it could benefit the Red Bull driver to get a new perspective.

“Maybe a contribution to work closer with some stewards or some officials during some training, during some education groups. We have different things which are going to happen next year," he said.

“Maybe participate in a group panel of stewards in another category of motorsport to put yourself in the other side and understand that it’s not always easy.

“I’m sure we’ll find some constructive programmes,” Todt concluded.

Fernando Alonso's departure from Formula 1 could have the same impact as "Real Madrid with Ronaldo", long-time associate Flavio Briatore claims.

The Spaniard called time on his F1 career after 17 years back in August and received a fond farewell in Abu Dhabi highlighting how big of a personality the double world champion has become.

And Briatore, who gave Alonso his back chance with Renault after debuting with Minardi in 2001, believes the sport will need time to find someone to fill his large shoes.

"F1 without Alonso is like Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo," he was quoted by GPFans.com.

"He is one of the few recognisable stars. If you see these guys from here and take off their overalls, I only recognize Lewis [Hamilton], [Sebastian] Vettel and [Kimi] Raikkonen and that's it."

Fernando is moving to new challenges with a return to the Daytona 24 Hours, the Indianapolis 500 and WEC his current schedule and the flamboyant Italian does think the 37-year-old is right to move on from F1.

"Alonso needs a period of relaxation. He had three very frustrating years in which he behaved impeccably, the performance of the McLaren was ridiculous and he still fought for positions that did not correspond," he said.

Also Read:

• Norris keen to seek Alonso's 'valuable' advice in 2019
• Verstappen sad to never have major on-track duel with Alonso

The big question, however, is whether Alonso will be back in F1 in 2020 but the former team boss believes it will only happen on one condition.

"There are only two teams: Mercedes or Ferrari, there are no other choices. The other choice is to finish fourth, fifth or sixth," he said.

"I think with the talent he has, you put him in the right car and he could still be the strongest driver along with Hamilton.

"Someday the teams will realise that to win the Constructors' Championship you need two strong drivers in the team. We will see what happens in a few months or a year."

Lewis Hamilton swapped four wheels for two over the first weekend of the Formula 1 off-season completing a private test on a Yamaha superbike at Jerez.

The Briton has always had a passion for motorcycles and motorcycle racing as proven by his partnership with Italian maker MV Agusta, who produce the F4 L44, and earlier this year Hamilton spent time with MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow in America.

Riding an all-black Yamaha YZF-R1 at the Spanish circuit, it was reported by Italian media that the five-time F1 champion suffered a minor fall at the high-speed Turn 5 but did no damage to himself with only a few scratches to the bike as well.

Sick couple of days in Jerez ??? @alexlowes22 @mickeyvdmark @PataYamahaWSBK @MonsterEnergy pic.twitter.com/1uIwgmKx7r

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 2, 2018

Hamilton's foray onto two wheels is just the latest occasion the two disciplines have come together with Valentino Rossi famously testing a Ferrari, Jorge Lorenzo also completed a Mercedes test and current MotoGP champion Marc Marquez drove a Red Bull in Austria during the summer.

Examples of F1 drivers going the opposite direction are rare mainly because of the risks of a crash but Max Verstappen has also expressed interest in donning leathers in the future.

Until this point, only John Surtees remains the only person to win titles both in F1 and MotoGP with four 500cc championships and a single F1 crown in 1964.

Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen will be a strong pairing but they could pose "problems" to Red Bull, according to Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost.

Gasly, who scored 29 of the Italian team's 33 points in 2018, will be joining the Dutchman at the senior team having been selected to replace the Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo.

While his arrival at the front of the grid isn't being met with the same expectation as Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, Tost does think the 22-year-old is up to the task.

"Pierre is really doing a good job," he said. "He improved a lot as the season went on and I am really happy with him."

As for what Red Bull can expect next season between Verstappen, who has established himself as the lead driver, and Gasly, the Austrian thinks fans could be in for a surprise.

"I expect it will be a good partnership," he stated. "Both drivers want to be successful and there will also be earlier or later problems over there [at Red Bull] during a race.

"But that is normal in F1, drivers are fighting for positions and both drivers want to have success. But I expect, as both drivers are professional, they will sort it out in the best possible way."

Also Read:

• Red Bull: Immediate Gasly/Verstappen comparisons would be "unfair"
• Ocon tips Leclerc & Gasly to trigger a 'generational shift' in 2019
• Gasly only interested in being the 'best', not fighting Verstappen

As for Toro Rosso, they will have a new line-up in Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon and a role to play in making Red Bull's switch to Honda engines for 2019 as successful as possible.

“If we can help Red Bull win the title by being the guinea pig in terms of developments, then that’ll happen," Tost claimed.

“We’re happier with this role because we’ll see the fruits of our labour as well. Not only in terms of the engine, but we’ll have advantages in other aspects as well because of the partnership between Honda and Red Bull.

“The full backside of the RB15 will come our way as well.”

Sergio Perez has offered an insight into his often fractious partnership with Esteban Ocon at Force India.

The Frenchman joined the Silverstone-based squad in 2017 and the pair always brought the best from each other as they were often separated by just a few thousandths of a second in qualifying.

That did translate into a number of on-track incidents, however, notably Canada, Baku and Belgium last year and again in Singapore in 2018 resulting in Force India introducing team orders.

“To be honest it was never great, the greatest one,” Perez said of his relationship with Ocon.

"We didn’t spend a lot of time out of the car, so it was quite very flat. I’ll say that with my past teammates, there was more of an outside relationship.

Also Read:

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• Force India rue costly races after failure to beat McLaren in Constructors' standings
• Force India: Signs point to Stroll being a 'great driver'

“There are drivers that cannot separate what is racing and outside of the car. Everyone is different.”

The Mexican does think that could change now Esteban has left the team, pointing to a similar situation he had with the 22-year-old's predecessor.

“I’ve had it before, with [Nico] Hulkenberg," He said. "It’s always hard, we are so competitive, and also when you are not teammates anymore, the relationship all of a sudden gets a bit better. It depends."

Looking forward to 2019, Perez will have Lance Stroll across the garage and there could be the potential for fireworks given the Canadian's father Lawrence is the new Force India owner.

As it stands right now though, the 28-year-old concedes he is a bit of an unknown quantity.

“I don’t know him much as a driver," he commented. "In Formula 1, it’s so difficult to prepare, to know a driver from another team, but the kid definitely has talent. He’s been on the podium. When it’s wet, he’s always up there.

"He’s certainly had a poor season down to his car. I think Williams had a lot of trouble," Checo added.

"I think he’s coming to a great team with one of the best engineers in the world, I think he will be in great hands to deliver his full potential."