F1 News
Lewis Hamilton still revisits old texts with Niki Lauda
Lewis Hamilton says that he still looks at old text messages from Niki Lauda as a source of inspiration and comfort, seven months on from the Austrian's death. Lauda was non-executive chairman at Mercedes and played a crucial role in Hamilton's move to the team in 2013, with the pair becoming close friends.
Lauda was a three-time champion himself, and Hamilton dedicated his 2019 championship win - his sixth - to the late Lauda.
And now in an interview with various media, including motorsport.com, the Brit has revealed that he still looks back over messages sent to him by Lauda.
He said: "I miss getting the texts. I miss sharing those videos, and I still have a lot of our conversations and every now and then I revisit it."
Hamilton recalled being a bit starstruck when he first chatted to Lauda, adding: “All of sudden I was in this position where I’ve got to make a big decision in my life and Niki is on the phone to me.
"I thought: ‘Wow I am talking to a three-time world champion’, and I didn’t really know him, so I can’t say I trust this guy on the phone.
"But then I sit down with Ross [Brawn], and I sit down with Niki in a hotel room, and just the journey we went on. I would like to think that we grew to love each other as friends."