Emotional Toto Wolff remembers Niki Lauda

"This is very difficult for the team. For everyone. It is also difficult as a friend. It is not an easy situation to return to the circuit of Monaco, especially if you are emotional about the death of a friend," Wolff said during a Mercedes press conference.

"Formula 1 has lost its biggest icon. We have been missing Niki since the end of last year. It is strange for me not to talk to him anymore and not to appear after the weekend. We want people to respect our emotions."

Lauda worked as a Mercedes consultant for six years and was present on Grand Prix weekends until he had his lung transplant last year. Wolff spoke about some of the moments the two spent together.

"We have all had our special moments with Niki. I had the privilege of having an intensive time with Niki for the last six years. The operation he had always had the chance it would not end well. In the winter he made steps forward. I called and applauded him a lot. The last time after the Baku Grand Prix. I will not forget that," Wolff added.

"It is very hard for me not to talk to him anymore. He was my friend and co-owner. He always came here with his red bag and I'm going to miss that."