F1 News

Hamilton exempt from Monaco GP media duties

Hamilton exempt from Monaco GP media duties

22-05-2019 16:13

Bevan Youl

Following the death of Niki Lauda Lewis Hamilton was made exempt from his Wednesday media duties before the Monaco Grand Prix.

Hamilton was set to attend the official news conference the Mercedes team asked to excuse him and filled his place with team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
 
Lauda was the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes F1 team and partly responsible for getting Hamilton to join the team from McLaren back in 2013.
 
Bottas, filling in for the Brit at the news conference, said: “Really shocking news to start the week. He meant a lot to me but also to every single team member. He was a big part of the Mercedes family.
 
"He was a massive motivation for everyone, and for me - everything he achieved, the difficult career he had, the comebacks: I will never ever forget. 
 
"Not the best mindset for the weekend but I am sure as a team we can turn it into motivation."

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were also present at the news conference and. Paid tribute to Lauda.

“Niki was a legend of the sport. He achieved a lot, but he was also a very generous and funny guy,” said Verstappen.

"I didn't have many chances to meet with Niki but the very few times I spoke him him, he was extremely nice,” added Leclerc.

"He was always available and also very humble [despite] what he achieved. He is a great example for the sport in general and he will be missed a lot."

Mercedes plan on making a tribute to Lauda on their cars for the weekend whilst team members will wear a black armband in honour.

Follow GPblog now on TwitterYouTube, and Facebook!