Mercedes Formula 1 "sparked further intrigue" into driver Daniel Ricciardo's future, with Exec Dir Toto Wolff declaring the reigning champion is "not looking at the Red Bull star." Despite "widespread reports" Mercedes is "in the hunt" to sign Ricciardo away from the energy drink team at the end of the '18 F1 season, Wolff said that the team plans on making "no changes" to its '19 driver lineup. Mercedes has two open cars for next year, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas yet to re-sign beyond the '18 season (AFP, 5/9).
Williams F1 Chief Designer Ed Wood left the team in the wake of its "disappointing start to the season." Williams, which is last in the constructors' championship with four points after four races, said that Wood's departure was for "personal reasons." The team "embarked on a new design philosophy" this season with the "hope of moving up the grid." But the car has "failed to live up to expectations" and the team is working to understand what has gone wrong (BBC, 5/10).
Cardiff City footballers will "take part in a parade on Sunday" to celebrate the club's promotion to the Premier League. The side secured its place with a goalless draw against Reading last Sunday and "will return to English football's top-flight after a four-year absence" (BBC, 5/9).
