Lewis Hamilton 'pathetic' for skipping media duties after Lauda death

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton 'pathetic' for skipping media duties after Lauda death

Strong words from John Watson.

Matthew Scott

Thursday 23 May 2019 10:23 Updated: 14:52

Lewis Hamilton has been slammed as "pathetic" for skipping his media duties at the Monaco Grand Prix in the wake of Niki Lauda's passing this week. Former Formula 1 driver John Watson, who raced alongside Lauda said Hamilton ought to have paid a tribute to his former Mercedes chief.

Lauda played a pivotal role in tempting Hamilton to the Silver Arrows from McLaren in 2013.

In a social media post after Lauda's passing was confirmed, Hamilton said: "I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together. 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."

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However, Hamilton was stood down from Wednesday's drivers' press conference, replaced by team-mate Valtteri Bottas. The Finn said Hamilton "seemed OK" when asked about his condition.

And Watson believes the reigning world champion has done his friend a disservice

"It's pathetic," Watson told the Daily Mail. "I would like to know how Lewis can justify this.

Danke Niki. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QkaGqNBDOf
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 23, 2019

"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 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.

"If the roles were reversed, Niki would have been in there telling the press in his typical blunt way what a great driver and what a fine world champion Lewis is."