Niki Lauda is back! The Formula 1 legend was in fine form with his unique humour and insights in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport revealing that despite being in ICU he never missed a race on TV and also had some kind words for Sebastian Vettel who surprised him with a gesture of affection.
In his first interview with media since he was hospitalised in July, the Mercedes F1 chairman told Pino Allievi, "I did not miss a single grand prix, even though I was in the company of so many IV tubes, I 'attended' all the races!"
"I phoned the box during the weekends, they always told me what was happening. From the sidelines, I have to say that I once again discovered the warmth of the people I have been working with all these years, all good. Everyone was worried about me."
The 69-year-old is no stranger to near-death experiences, his incredible story of survival is well told in the film "Rush" which depicts the 1976 championship battle with James Hunt and included the 1976 German Grand Prix, at the Nurburgring, where during the race Lauda nearly perished in a fire, only to return to the cockpit weeks later with his head wrapped in bandages.
That time around he famously tells the story how, while being administered the Last Rites by a priest, he was in his mind telling the preacher to "piss off" adamant he would not die. Indeed he survived all those years ago as he has now, over four decades later.
Was Lauda scared this time around?
"I have to be honest: no, I've never been afraid, I was in the hands of excellent specialists, I trusted them, I knew it would be tough, very hard and in such conditions, I could only do one thing: fight. Which I did all the time and I'm still doing it."
With regards to Lewis Hamilton's championship-winning year and his team's fifth constructors' title triumph, Lauda said, "It was exceptional, we won the most difficult World Championship because often Ferrari was better than us, but from race to race Lewis never made mistakes. He phoned me, he briefed me, as did Toto, as did others whom I thank."
The Austrian legend also revealed, "One of the things that pleased me most is the letter sent by Sebastian Vettel, written in his own hand, full of nice and affectionate words. I did not expect it, usually drivers don't do these things, they just drive, but he is a beautiful person."
"He had difficult moments of discomfort, we know, but it would be absurd to doubt him. He will recover, a champion never forgets how to drive. Vettel will be the great rival of Hamilton in 2019," predicted Lauda.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/11/24/lauada-message-to-my-team-and-my-friends/
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