F1 Gossip: Ecclestone would ‘take a bullet’ for "good guy" Putin

- Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he would take a bullet for Russian president Vladimir Putin, who he thinks should be ruling Europe (ESPN, via The Times)

- A fresh deal for Silverstone could be announced as early as Wednesday, ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix (The Independent)

- Daniel Ricciardo fears Renault could have a fundamental issue with its 2019 F1 car (Formula1.com)

- McLaren’s 2019 progress has come as a “pleasant surprise”, says Carlos Sainz Jr (Sky Sports F1)

- Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly says he has shown his speed but admits he has not been quick enough at key moments during race weekends (RaceFans)

- Silverstone has been resurfaced to a “very high standard” ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, according to FIA race director Michael Masi (Motorsport Week)