Franchise Notes: Manor F1 Drops Will Stevens, Names Rio Haryanto Driver

Manor F1 confirmed that Will Stevens has lost his place in Formula One and will be replaced by Indonesian rookie Rio Haryanto, "who bid more than" £10M ($14.3M) for the seat. Stevens, 24, "will have to look for racing opportunities elsewhere." The Englishman "may hold out hope of a reserve drive in F1" (London TELEGRAPH, 2/18). ... Premier League side Sunderland chose "not to sue" Adam Johnson for a breach of contract, despite the fact that it could be entitled to around £1M ($1.4M) in compensation. The club sacked its former England winger "after he pleaded guilty to charges sexual activity with a child, and grooming." Sunderland would be entitled to compensation if it "decided to take Johnson to court again," but the club wants to distance itself from the incident "and move on" (London DAILY MAIL, 2/18).