Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, January 8.

Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup

Mercedes slams 'pure fiction' Hamilton rumours

Mercedes has hit out at what it calls the "pure fiction" of rumours swirling around the future of Lewis Hamilton.

The seven time world champion has kicked off 2021 without a contract, amid speculation Mercedes is balking at his demands for a EUR 40 million salary, a $3m AMG-One hypercar, and a 10 percent share in the team's title bonuses.

A Mercedes source calls those reports "pure fiction", while a spokesman said there are "no reasons to be concerned" about the team's 2021 lineup.

Indeed, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claims that new team co-owner Ineos, headed by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is prepared to make up the difference between Hamilton's demands and what Mercedes is willing to pay.

In turn, Hamilton would be expected to appear in some of the forthcoming marketing campaigns of Ineos, a British multinational chemicals company which now owns a third of the title-winning team.

Verstappen aims to 'destroy' new teammate Perez

Max Verstappen says his aim is to "destroy" his teammates in Formula 1.

It is an ominous warning for the experienced Sergio Perez, who is replacing Alex Albon after the British-born Thai struggled to keep up with Verstappen at Red Bull last year.

"The lack of consistency was the decisive factor," team official Dr Helmut Marko told Auto Motor und Sport when asked about the DTM-bound Albon's demise.

"Sometimes Albon was up to six tenths away from Verstappen, and you can't win a world championship like that."

Marko said a major bonus for Red Bull-Honda is that Racing Point refugee Perez arrives with key experience of Mercedes' title-winning engine.

"Performance, responsiveness, drivability - he can give a lot of input," he said.

There is a commercial benefit too, Marko admits.

"The Paddock Club tickets for the Mexican GP were sold out five minutes after the announcement," he smiled.

From Verstappen's perspective, though, there will be no warm welcome for Perez, as he is confident that he will see off the challenge of yet another teammate.

"In the end I beat everyone, and that's good," he told Ziggo Sport. "As my father always says - you have to destroy your teammate."

Verstappen said 30-year-old Perez will have the same attitude, with Marko confirming that there will be no 'number 1' driver at Red Bull in 2021.

"Of course. You have to be faster than your teammate," Verstappen said. "I know that Sergio is aiming for the same.

"I think that's good, because it's the only way to bring the team forward with both cars, as was the case at Red Bull with Daniel (Ricciardo)."

Currently, Perez - who is in Mexico - is unable to get into the Red Bull simulator due to British anti-covid restrictions.

"We'll only know how good our driver pairing is compared to Hamilton-Bottas once he gets in our car," said Marko.

"But Perez's form curve in the second half of last year was a steep upward trend. He always puts himself in a good position and has a good feel for the car and the race.

"Perez was also able to prove himself throughout the season, which was not the case with Hulkenberg," he added.

More news from Formula 1:

Australian GP 'will be postponed' - Stroll
Lawrence Stroll admits that the season-opening Australian GP will be postponed. Read more.

Brivio's F1 inexperience not a problem - Briatore
Flavio Briatore has backed Renault's apparent decision to sign up MotoGP team Suzuki boss Davide Brivio for 2021 and beyond. Read more.

Steiner sure Haas pairing won't get 'out of hand'
Gunther Steiner is not worried that Haas' new all-rookie driver lineup will descend into a personal spat. Read more.