Latest: Doctor says Lauda is expected to leave hospital next week!

Niki Lauda's doctor claims the former Formula 1 World Champion should be able to leave hospital next week after another health scare. He explains the Mercedes team chairman is not in a life-threatening situation with pneumonia.

After Lauda was seemingly recovering well from his lung transplant in the summer, he was admitted back to the hospital last week. Lauda, who will turn 70 next month, had to be treated for influenza A.

Doctor Walter Klepetko spoke about latest Lauda's condition in the Kurier Newspaper. He described the three-time world champion as "very tired" and explained it was "not a classic infection" and "more than a cold".

The Osterreich newspaper confirmed the situation isn't life-threating and is expected to leave hospital next week, as planned.

"Niki was looking after his health and doing everything right. In his situation, certain risks are inevitable," Klepetko said.

According to the doctor, Lauda can already get out of bed and doesn't need to be ventilated! Good news all around!