Hamilton will miss ‘laughs, big hugs’

FORMULA One world champion Lewis Hamilton last night paid tribute to the man he credits for bringing him to Mercedes, where has won four of his five world titles.

Writing on Instagram, Hamilton (below with Lauda) wrote: ‘My buddy, I am struggling to believe you are gone. I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together.

‘It’s truly been an honour working alongside you over these past 7 years. I wouldn’t have even been in this team if it wasn’t for you. God rest your soul. Thank you for being a bright light in my life. I’ll always be here for your family should they ever need me. Love you man. Your friend always.’

Nico Rosberg, who worked with Lauda at Mercedes where he won the world title in 2016, tweeted: ‘Thank you for everything you did for me.

‘I learned so much from you. Your passion, your fighting spirit, to never give up, your belief that you always meet twice in life, and even your patience with us youngsters. Myself and 100million fans around the world whom you also so strongly inspired to never give up in the hardest of times.’

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen also paid tribute, saying: ‘Shocked by the loss. He was a true legend in our sport.’