F1 Gossip: Ocon backs Leclerc for '19 title bid

- Ex-Force India Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon believes long-running rival Charles Leclerc will be able to contend for the championship in 2019 during his first year with Ferrari (racefans.net)

- Fernando Alonso's 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona teammate, Jordan Taylor, says the Spaniard is "the highest-rated driver in the world" and is confident he can bring plenty of experience to the line-up despite having never raced a DPi car before (Sportscar365)

- Lewis Hamilton was quick to congratulate cyclist and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas on his BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award win on Sunday night. Hamilton finished as runner-up in the voting for the third time (Twitter)

- After being cut-off midway through his acceptance speech for the BBC SPOTY's Helen Rollason Award on Sunday night, Billy Monger was given the chance to complete it and thank his parents for their support (BBC 5 Live)

- Red Bull has announced a new partnership with leading Asian online gaming provider W66.com, having signed a multi-year agreement. The W66.com logo will appear on the Red Bull RB15 car, as well as across its wider assets (Red Bull)

- Former Ferrari and McLaren Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger was honoured last week in Italy at Autosprint's 'Casco d‘Oro' awards, where he said Italy would be a crucial market for DTM - the series he runs - moving forward (DTM)

- Brendon Hartley is eager to "keep a foot in the door" in Formula 1 in the future as he continues to formulate his racing plans for 2019 (Stuff)