F1 news: Lewis Hamilton press conference absence criticised after Niki Lauda death

John Watson, Lauda’s friend, insists that the reigning world champion should have spoken to press rather than opting not to take part in the press conference.

Austrian icon Lauda passed away on Monday night aged 70 after suffering kidney problems.

He had been working as the Mercedes F1 team’s non-executive chairman, as he owned 10 per-cent of the team.

Lauda also enjoyed a close relationship with Hamilton, and was frequently seen embracing the Brit in the paddock.

At the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, Mercedes and Ferrari are set to put their rivalries aside for a joint tribute to the late hero, but Hamilton found himself unable to participate in any media obligations on Wednesday.

And Watson criticised the five-time champion, insisting he should have gone out and given a message to the media.

“I know he was friendly with Niki, but I find it bizarre that a man of his stature would not be able to face people and tell them what Niki did for Mercedes and give him his due credit for the role he performed,” he said, per the Daily Mail.

“He should have spoken out of respect. To be so upset that he apparently cannot discuss his admiration for how Niki helped him – that’s pathetic.

“Lewis has not had to deal with tragedy in his motor racing career the way previous generations had to.

“Niki’s life was not cut desperately short as some drivers’ lives were. He died peacefully with his family around him.

“What a life: champion driver, airline owner, team manager, and his personal life was worthy of a movie in itself. I don’t think he had any regrets.”

Lauda to this day is the only driver to have won a Drivers’ Championship title for both McLaren and Ferrari, and won three titles in his career.

He is best known by many, however, for his incredible comeback from a horrific crash in 1976. Lauda suffered third degree burns in the crash, losing his right eyelid, most of his right ear, his eyebrows and most of the hair on his head.

Despite that, he came back to the sport just weeks later, and won a world championship the following year.

Outside of F1, the Austrian had become a leading figure in the aviation industry, and owned two airlines.