Max Verstappen's amazing gesture to Lewis Hamilton: 'Niki [Lauda] would be proud'

Max Verstappen

Verstappen's amazing gesture to Hamilton: 'Niki would be proud'

That's really nice from Max.

Matthew Scott

Saturday 25 May 2019 17:45

Max Verstappen warmly congratulated Lewis Hamilton after taking pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix and offered a touching gesture to the Mercedes man by telling him that Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda would have been proud of his efforts.

Mercedes' efforts in Monte Carlo have been coloured somewhat by this week's death of Lauda, who served as the team's non-executive chairman from 2013 until his passing.

Having undergone a life-saving lung transplant last year, Lauda's health remained fragile for many months and he had recently been hospitalised with kidney issues.

Article continues under video

With numerous Lauda references adorning the W10 this weekend, Hamilton delivered a fine tribute with a blistering pole lap, breaking the track record by pipping Valtteri Bottas with a 1:10.166.

Hamilton was clearly emotional after the race and dedicated his performance to Lauda, who played a crucial role in recruiting him from McLaren.

And Verstappen showed impressive humility, telling Hamilton "Niki would have been proud" when congratulating him for his Saturday success.

View this post on Instagram

"Niki would be proud." Great gesture from @maxverstappen1 to @lewishamilton! ?

A post shared by GPFans Global (@gpfansglobal) on May 25, 2019 at 8:43am PDT

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Monaco Grand Prix wins from pole position: All-time stats for F1's most famous race

31 minutes ago

Monaco Grand Prix carnage as only THREE cars finish with shock winner

1 hour ago

Fred Vasseur health update after Ferrari F1 chief hospitalised at Monaco Grand Prix

1 hour ago

F1 star unable to enter Monaco Grand Prix escorted by security

2 hours ago

Youngest Monaco Grand Prix winners: All-time list as Antonelli threatens Lewis Hamilton record

2 hours ago

F1 Race Today: Monaco Grand Prix 2026 start time, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream