Lauda denies that Mercedes team is trying to kill Hamilton's chances at becoming 2016 World Cham
Niki Lauda, non-executive chairman of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, feels sorry for Hamilton being unable to finish and win Malaysia GP due to engine failure and denies that Mercedes F1 team is trying to prevent Hamilton from winning 2016 World Champion title.
Lewis Hamilton, who was leading Malaysia GP the most, suffered an engine failure and had to retire from the race, when there was only 15 laps left.
The Brit retiring from the race meant that Nico Rosberg had a chance to finish on the podium. German extended his lead over Hamilton to 23 points.
After the race, Hamilton said that someone doesn't want him winning races.
Niki Lauda however, denies that the team is taking away Hamilton's chances for winning this year's title.
'' I am disappointed in myself and team. We had to ensure that Lewis doesn't have any engine problems. Failures like this happens and we need to figure out why.'' - said Lauda.
'' It was a completely new engine, no one have fitted an old engine. We did everything to make him finish. What happened? I don't know. We have to figure this one out. I am very sorry for him, but things like this happens. ''
Austrian is sure that he will be able to convince Hamilton that Mercedes team means no harm for him.
'' I can convince him that Mercedes doesn't want to harm him. We work for him and we are proud of him. But things like this happens. From our side, we do everything so that our driver could finish. Lewis won a lot of races with us, he became a champion with us two times. It's sad that it happened to him. I will apologise to him. ''
'' Yes, 23 point gap is pretty big, but you never know what will happen in the upcoming races. ''
