Hamilton delighted after Lauda's hospital release

Lewis Hamilton says Niki Lauda remains "very much the same character" and spoke of his delight to see Mercedes' non-executive chairman released from hospital this week. Lauda had spent more than two months in intensive care after undergoing a lung transplant.

News of Lauda's release from hospital this week was met with joyous reaction from the Formula 1 world, with the Austrian now able to continue his rehabilitation at home.

Hamilton had spoken at last week's United States GP that he had enjoyed a phone call with Lauda that week and is now looking forward to seeing the three-time world champion back on his feet again.

Two and a half months after a lung transplant, we’re delighted to hear that our Chairman and friend Niki Lauda has left hospital in Vienna.

Niki will now begin a phase of intensive rehabilitation, as he continues his road to recovery.

We can’t wait to have you back, Niki. pic.twitter.com/www1t64ZkM — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) October 24, 2018

"It's great news about Niki," Hamilton said. "I spoke to him and had a nice call from him just a week ago, and he said he was hoping he could get released from intensive care.

"Now he's been released from hospital into intensive rehab, so now he's going to be working hard to regain his strength.

"He's still very much the same character, very funny on the phone, always cracking jokes. He's in good spirits.

"He's obviously very much in touch with everyone here at the team. He's such a racer, he loves a car.

"He was upset we didn't win the last race, he says he wants us to win here."

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