In memory of Niki Lauda - Impressive tribute in 2019

Niki Lauda, an icon in Formula 1, died on May 20, 2019 in a private medical clinic in Switzerland. This placed a dark shadow over the Monaco Grand Prix that year, which was held just under a week later. This Grand Prix was impressive, given that the moment was seized as a tribute to the three-time world champion who acted as an advisor to Mercedes in the years before.

The red star

Shortly after the death, the whole of Formula 1 was in mourning. An icon of the sport was lost and Lauda was a beloved person, despite the fact that he was often harsh with his opinions. The triple world champion was frequently involved in the sport with Mercedes until his death. Lauda was also responsible for attracting Hamilton to the team, which turned out to be a 'match made in heaven'.

Mercedes drove had silver arrows on their livery and as a tribute to their departed advisor, one was coloured red during the Monaco Grand Prix. The red colour belonged to Lauda because of the iconic Novomatic cap that the former driver often wore. And when he wore a cap from another sponsor, it was almost always red as well.

Caps in the paddock

But the loss was not only felt at Mercedes. It was felt throughout the paddock and prior to the race, a moment of silence was held in memory of the departed great. This made for an impressive sight, as almost everyone participated in this tribute. All this in a circle of people around a pillar with the helmet of the former F1-driver on it.

What gave the impressive picture even more style and colour was that all drivers were standing in the smallest circle with a red cap on. Each cap was identical with 'NIKI' in large letters on the front and the three championships that Lauda won on the sides.

Niki Lauda - 22 February 1949 - 20 May 2019 - Rest in peace.