Formula 1 Legend Niki Lauda was 70 years old when he passed away in 2018. The former Ferrari driver was considered to be one of the greatest drivers of his era and was widely respected in the sport. Hence, the 22nd January of 2024 marked his 75th Birth Anniversary and Lewis Hamilton paid his tributes to the former legend. The Briton has previously paid tribute to the late legend on multiple occasions as well.
Niki Lauda and Lewis Hamilton go way back as the late driver convinced the seven-time world champion to join Mercedes back in 2012. The Austrian was the Non-Executive Chairman of the team back then and alongside Ross Brawn, they put forth the benefits of joining Brackley for the Briton. The late driver somewhat attributed to the Briton’s successful career as he was one of the major reasons for the 39-year-old’s entry into Mercedes. Apart from this, Lauda cared for the driver and hence was strict on the Briton and disallowed him from partaking in dangerous activities back then, to which Hamilton had to silence the late driver.
Hamilton took to Instagram while day two of the Practice session was under progression. The 39-year-old posted multiple images together with Lauda and captioned the image mentioning how the Legend was always with them. Additionally, Hamilton insisted that he missed the former driver as it has been five years of absence of the former Ferrari driver.
With us always. Miss you Niki Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram
Lewis Hamilton will conclude his final year at Mercedes in 2024
Following Lauda’s convincing Hamilton to join Mercedes, the latter quickly rose to success and scored six world championships with the team in 11 years. Hence, the 39-year-old will conclude his final season at Brackley in 2024 and move to Ferrari in the subsequent season. Hamilton wishes to conclude the season on a high and maximize results down the season.
The seven-time world champion will be paired up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari from 2025 and time will tell about the benefits of the Briton’s late career switch in teams. Additionally, Mercedes will provide the 39-year-old with all the possible equipment to enable a shot at championship contention for one last time with the German manufacturer.
As the grid prepares for the upcoming race, the entire grid remembers the Legend on his 75th Birth Anniversary. Multiple teams reflected on the Legend’s impressive career and remembered him on the special day. Additionally, Hamilton’s move to Maranello makes the entire situation even more emotional and exciting for the soon-to-be Ferrari driver.
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