F1's traditional 'silly season' has taken a bizarre twist. After championship leader Lewis Hamilton recently spent some time with the American rapper Sean Combs - otherwise known as Diddy, Puff Daddy or P.Diddy - a rumour has emerged that the formula one paddock could soon have a new team owner.

At an event for the launch of a Diddy perfume - 'Unforgivable' - Combs announced that he is thinking seriously about joining the circus by buying a team. However, it is no surprise to learn that - at the night-time occasion in central London - more than (US) $200,000 alone was spent on champagne.

McLaren rookie Hamilton, 22, meanwhile, attended the event as a guest of the English pop star Natasha Bedingfield and another rapper, Pharrell Williams. Both Diddy and Williams have attended F1 races in the past. (GMM)