‘Unwell’ Hamilton pulls out of tire test

Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton walks to the garage before the third practice session of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi April 30, 2016.

Silver Arrow development driver Pascal Wehrlein was in line to test the tyres in the morning session but was replaced by Hamilton, resulting in the German taking over the afternoon duties.

BRITAIN’S only other three-time world champion Jackie Stewart slammed Lewis Hamilton’s selfishness at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, calling him “a little ballerina” whom Mercedes should cut loose if he refused to follow their orders again.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has reminded Lewis Hamilton that he should prepare to lose “with dignity” in the light of the controversial Abu Dhabi GP. Whatever happens, I’m proud of everyone who’s been a part of the success we’ve shared over the pst few years.

The tense atmosphere between the childhood friends as they waited for Sunday’s podium ceremony spoke volumes, with Rosberg hoisting the sport’s 86-year-old commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone into the air but choosing to ignore Hamilton. You know when there are certain drivers that come to you of that kind of material, and he was.

“I don’t know why they didn’t just let us race”, he said at the post-race press conference, adding, “There was never a moment where I felt I would lose the race. You have a lot of talented people here who put in a big effort”, Keke Rosberg said as he stood outside the Mercedes motorhome.

Germany was listed on a provisional 21-race 2017 schedule with an asterisk but Formula One’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone has indicated it will be dropped.

With 10 laps remaining, it was obvious Hamilton was driving as cautiously as he could to compress the field and create a threat behind Rosberg.

You will have a new teammate next season in the shape of Danish driver Kevin Magnussen. We need you to pick up the pace to win this race.

“Nutrition, time differences, training, emptying the brain at the right time and concentrating on performance, performance, performance”.

Following two crashes earlier this season, in Spain and Austria, the team set down strict terms of engagement, suggesting the drivers could be fined or banned if they broke the rules. “I wish that F1 is able to stay for many more years”, Rosberg said. “I think there’s only one Wimbledon final or one grand slam final”.

“I have not made up my mind”. “I’m happy for my son and that’s it. I think we owe it to him, he’s a deserved champion”.