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Wolff still keeps hospitalized Lauda "up to date"

13:12, 09 Sep 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Even though Niki Lauda won't be present in the Mercedes garage for some time, team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he's still in regular contact with the three-time champion to keep him up to speed.

Lauda underwent a lung transplant this summer after falling ill on his holiday in Ibiza, with the Austrian being in critical condition for quite some time. He's recuperating as of now, but still bed-ridden, but that doesn't keep Wolff from keeping his partner up to speed of the proceedings in the Mercedes camp.

"We all miss Niki," Wolff told Welt.

"Especially from a human point of view.

"Especially me as well, as his travel companion, sparring partner and friend.

"It was always important for us to have dinner together and discuss the day - only us two.

"I've lost a very important contact and counter-act - I wish it to be back quickly."

Wolff then revealed that while Lauda isn't in the garage in the flesh, the 69-year-old still gets situation reports on a regular basis.

"His health is the most important thing now, and he needs rest, but I'm in regular contact with him.

"He watches all the races and I try to keep him informed as much as possible," the Austrian concluded.

It's apparent that Lauda is really missed in the Mercedes garage, despite the team having upset Ferrari in their own backyard last weekend at Monza. Ferrari was the quicker team all weekend long and locked out the front row, but Mercedes somehow still pulled out the win, with Valtteri Bottas acting as the sacrificial lamb so Lewis Hamilton could finally make the pass.