Lewis Hamilton has admitted Mercedes' sixth Constructors' Championship on the bounce "doesn't feel the same without him. Hamilton's P3 in Japan helped the Silver Arrows secure their sixth consecutive title.
Valtteri Bottas won the race at Suzuka as Mercedes guaranteed a sixth straight Constructors' and Drivers' double. However, Lauda's passing in May has put a dampener on the victory for Hamilton.
"It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said as quoted by Motorsport.com.
"Obviously, I wouldn't say as happy as previously, because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him.
"Naturally I'm very, very proud of the team. Very proud of everyone back at the factory, and I know Niki would be taking off his hat for today's result.
"I think we owe him a huge amount and this win is really for him. I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do. Very, very proud to be a part of it, and a part of the journey – but it has been a difficult, a tough year for us, you know?
"Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today before I got in the car.
"As I said, I know he'll be proud, I know his family will be as well. The team should be proud too."