Hamilton reveals how Lauda coaxed him to Mercedes

A lot of tributes have been paid to Niki Lauda recently following the legendary Austrian's death last week, aged 70, and Lewis Hamilton has shed light on how Lauda convinced him to join Mercedes for the 2013 season.

The decision to join Mercedes is undoubtedly the best in Hamilton's career, as four world titles have followed in the six full seasons since his switch from McLaren.

We knew Lauda was a major player in the move, but Hamilton has revealed exactly the role he played.

Hamilton said after Sunday's race: “I remember getting a call from Niki in 2012 and we had never really spoken. So he’s on the phone and he’s like: No, you should come to Mercedes. This is where you need to be.