Share

Hamilton gets pleasant 'shock' from hospitalised Lauda

Austin - An upbeat Lewis Hamilton said on Saturday that he had a very happy surprise this week when Niki Lauda phoned him from his hospital bed in Vienna.

The world championship leader, who can clinch his fifth title in Sunday's United States Grand Prix, was delighted to hear from his Mercedes team's non-executive chairman who has been recovering after a lung transplant.

"He called me two days ago," said Hamilton. "I was shocked to hear from him.

"I told him 'you sound younger than ever'. He is determined to come back and he is grateful to the doctors for all their good work and to his wife."

Hamilton added that Lauda told him he expected to be discharged from intensive care soon.

"For sure, I'll be in Vienna to visit him before the end of the season," said Hamilton.

"We miss him here in the team, but we have his spirit with us at the races."

Lauda, who has been a staunch supporter of Hamilton since he left McLaren to join Mercedes, underwent surgery in August.

Hamilton will become only the third driver to win five championships if he can outscore nearest rival Sebastian Vettel by eight points in Sunday's race.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE