Lauda reveals Vettel's thoughtful moment whilst in hospital

We are all pleased that Niki Lauda seems to have mostly recovered from his lung transplant earlier in the year, after it looked like at one point he may not get through the ordeal.

The Austrian returned to home to recover there this week after first entering the hospital in Vienna in early August.

The entire F1 world got behind the former three-time World Champion and just as he did in 1976, he miraculously recovered.

At the Nurburgring during the 1976 season, Lauda suffered a huge crash that almost killed him, but amazingly he was back in the car just six weeks later.

He has shown this fighting spirit once again to recover from this, but said one of the best gifts he received was a handwritten letter from Sebastian Vettel.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lauda explained: "One of the things that pleased me most is a letter sent by Sebastian Vettel, written in his own hand, full of nice words and affectionate considerations.

"I did not expect it, Usually the drivers do not do these things, they just drive, but he is a beautiful person.

"Yes, he has had difficult moments of discomfort, we know, but it would be absurd to question him.

"He will recover, a champion never forgets how he drives. He will be the great rival of Hamilton in 2019."