Niki Lauda says he is impressed by Lewis Hamilton’s decision – Formula 1 news
Former Formula 1 driver, Niki Lauda says he is impressed by McLaren driver, Lewis Hamilton’s decision about moving to Mercedes in 2013.
Mercedes has recently announced that they have signed a new deal with Hamilton who is going to join their team in the next season as Michael Schumacher’s replacement. Moreover, there have been a lot of speculations that Lauda, as non-executive chairman of
the Brackley based team, has been in conversations with the British driver so as to convince him to join them.
However, the three-time world champion has said that he had only couple of talks with the Briton but he never had to convince him over anything.
Moreover, he said that the 2008 world champion had a very clear plan in his mind and took a very professional approach towards his career in the sport.
“He had a clear plan and I didn't have to convince him of anything. I can honestly say I was impressed with his approach to things - very pragmatic, no emotions whatsoever,” he said.
In addition, he said that he told the 27-year-old that if he performs well with the Silver Arrows in the upcoming years, he will be known as a better racing driver.
“My argument was, 'if you're looking for a new challenge then frankly the Mercedes team is one'. Thinking the other way round, if Michael Schumacher could not get the Mercedes team - for three years running - up front and you next year are doing much better,
this makes a huge impact on your personality and people will rate you much higher than you are rated now,” he added.
Besides, he said that the Briton has been attracted towards the new challenge and has not been driven by money as the Woking based team has offered him the same salary.
Additionally, he insisted that Hamilton and his future teammate, Nico Rosberg will be treated equally in the team and no one will receive any kind of preferential treatment. He also said that both the drivers will be provided with the same cars.
It will be interesting to see how the German and the British drivers perform in the coming year.
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