Seven years have passed since the death of three-time Formula 1 world champion and former non-executive chairman of Mercedes, Niki Lauda. This weekend, ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, his family visited the Mercedes paddock — a poignant homecoming for the legendary Austrian driver’s loved ones.
Photos shared on social media show Lauda’s son, Matthias, and his grandson, Lennon, who bears a striking resemblance to his grandfather — both wearing Lauda’s iconic red cap. The images quickly circulated online, evoking strong emotions among fans and the F1 community.
Mercedes posted on X: “A legacy that lives on. It’s special to have Niki’s family with us at our home race.”
Lauda, who died in 2019, played a pivotal role in Mercedes’ dominance during the turbo-hybrid era. As non-executive chairman, he was instrumental in convincing Lewis Hamilton to join Mercedes from McLaren ahead of the 2013 season — a move that reshaped modern F1 history.
In tribute, Mercedes permanently placed Lauda’s signature red cap alongside his headset in the team’s garage. Additionally, a single red star was incorporated into the team’s livery — a quiet but enduring nod to the Austrian icon.