McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (Right) speaks with Formula One Management (FOM), Formula One Administration (FOA) and Formula One Constructors' Association (FOCA) President and CEO Bernie Ecclestone (Left). (Photo: Getty Images)

Dumping Father 'A Disaster' For Hamilton - Ecclestone: Lewis Hamilton's decision to dump his father and sign up with a celebrity management company was "a disaster". That is the view of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, speaking after arguably the worst season in the 2008 world champion's entire motor racing career. He said the 26-year-old Briton's "personal problems" in 2011 - including his split with girlfriend Nicole - were exacerbated by the absence of his former manager and father. Anthony Hamilton, in charge of his son's career until early 2010, now manages the Force India driver Paul di Resta. "A lot to do with these things, it depends an awful lot on the people you surround yourself with, and who are in a position to influence you," said Ecclestone. "I think he just fell into a lot of people that I think weren't good for him," the 81-year-old told the Guardian. "When his dad was looking after him, his dad was a bit more ... obviously it didn't suit Lewis, which was why they split, I think he didn't appreciate how much help his dad was," said Ecclestone. After the split with his father, Hamilton linked up with XIX Entertainment, the company headed by Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller. "I think it's a disaster," said Ecclestone. "He gets to meet people that probably he wouldn't have met, and (who) have probably the wrong sort of influence on him."

Pic Had 'Better Package' Admits Axed d'Ambrosio: Jerome d'Ambrosio has admitted it was a lack of financial support that drove him off the grid with Virgin/Marussia. A rookie in 2011, he has been replaced ahead of the team's next campaign by young Frenchman Charles Pic, who is handled by former Grand Prix drivers Eric Bernard and Olivier Panis, and the Lagardere Unlimited group. It is rumored Belgian d'Ambrosio is now a contender to be the third driver next year at Lotus, the team headed by his manager Eric Boullier. "That's a good question. I don't know why I lost my seat," the 25-year-old said on Belgian television Sporza during a karting event in Paris. "I think Charles' total package was better than mine. You need strong sponsors from your own country; Charles Pic has France, Maldonado has Venezuela and I have Belgium. "The interest in Belgium is in the right direction, but it's still not enough to stay in Formula One."

Caterham Link Hints At Renault Switch For HRT: Cosworth could be left with just a single formula one customer next year, if the latest rumblings from the rumor mill turn out to be true. It was reported at the end of last month that HRT, the struggling Spanish team, is set to begin working with a Cologne company co-owned by Tony Fernandes and Mike Gascoyne. Fernandes and Gascoyne, best known for heading the Team Lotus/Caterham team, reportedly now also own "the design office of the former Toyota team", according to the BBC in November. Then, on the provisional 2012 entry list published recently by the FIA, HRT's engine supplier was listed as 'TBA' (to be announced). In 2010 and 2011, HRT was powered by Cosworth's 2.4 litre V8 engine, while Caterham switched to Renault after last season.

Ceccon In 'Friday' Talks With Toro Rosso, Caterham, HRT: Kevin Ceccon is in talks with three teams about becoming a reserve and 'Friday' practice driver in 2012. The 18-year-old Italian, who ran in GP2 this season, drove the Toro Rosso during last month's young driver test in Abu Dhabi. Specialist Italian magazine Autosprint reports that his talks about the 2012 season are with Red Bull's Faenza based junior team as well as Caterham and HRT.

Valencia Government Takes Over European GP: A shakeup behind the scenes of the Valencia street circuit's European Grand Prix has taken place within the last few days. EFE news agency reports that the regional government, the Generalitat Valenciana, has taken over the running of the annual race from the existing promoter, Valmor Sport. The report said the transfer involved a nominal fee, in light of Valmor's debts. Spain's AS newspaper said a government spokesman confirmed the news, insisting that the shakeup will not affect the contract with formula one or the relationship with Bernie Ecclestone.

Di Resta Hails Car, Not Driver, After Vettel Title: If he'd been at the wheel of a Red Bull in 2011, Paul di Resta is sure he would be world champion now. The Scot made an impressive Grand Prix debut with Force India this season and is expected to stay with the Silverstone based team in 2012, with an announcement due this week. As teammates in 2006, di Resta - who is actually older than Sebastian Vettel - beat the 24-year-old German to the F3 Euroseries title. "We had the same car, same engine, same tires and I beat him," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't want to diminish Vettel's achievement (in 2011), but he won the championship because he had the best car. He did his job, but another driver in the same car would probably have achieved the same results. "I hope one day to have the same opportunity."