Hakkinen parts ways with long-time manager Coton

The Finn, who captured back-to-back world titles with McLaren in 1998 and 1999, has worked with Coton for 25 years but both have agreed that their direct relationship should come to an end.

Hakkinen will retain his brand ambassadorial role for a number of clients, and will continue to work with Coton as part of the management team of Williams driver Valtteri Bottas.

Speaking about the decision, Hakkinen said: "Didier has been my manager and personal friend ever since my active Formula 1 career, for which I am very grateful.

"Even if Didier will no longer be my manager, I am glad that he will always be my trusted friend.

"I am excited about our continued work together in team Valtteri Bottas, and I also look forward to my continued work as a brand ambassador for, among others, Mercedes Benz, Diageo, UBS, Hermes Logistics and Arqueonautas."

Fantastic journey

Coton, who has become a respected figure in the F1 paddock, added: "It has been a great honour and a fantastic journey for me to have accompanied and worked closely with Mika over the past 25 years.

"From becoming one of the best racing drivers in the history of Formula 1, a true legend, we successfully transitioned Mika's career into a brand ambassador, which now allows him to embrace new exciting challenges as an entrepreneur.

"This is a natural development in his life and I wish him the very best in his new endeavours. We will each carry on working actively in our respective sphere of activities.

"I look forward to our joint working relationship with Valtteri Bottas, knowing that together with our partners we make a very strong team."

Coton also manages future Haas F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez.