Lauda's Abu Dhabi absence confirmed

Lauda's Abu Dhabi absence confirmed

Martin Macdonald

Friday 23 November 2018 11:33

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Niki Lauda will not be in attendance at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina as he continues his recovery from major surgery at home, according to his friend and colleague Helmut Marko, who confirmed his absence on Friday morning.

The Austrian has had two kidney transplants over the years, with the latest coming during the summer which left him unable to fulfill his duties as special advisor to Mercedes.

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It was reported that Lauda was determined to make one appearance before the end of the season, with Abu Dhabi being the last race, but Marko has revealed that he doesn't quite have the energy yet.

"He's doing much better, but he just does not yet have the strength to be here," Red Bull boss Marko told German broadcaster RTL.

Hats off to you, Niki ???? pic.twitter.com/t5CpbpivVl — Formula 1 (@F1) November 15, 2018

Lauda spent almost three months in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery which doctors believe saved him from certain death. The three-time world champion fell ill while on holiday in Spain and was later taken to hospital in Vienna, where he underwent the operation.

Doctors later revealed that Lauda would have died within days if he had not undergone the transplant.