The Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team has turned its halos red for the remainder of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in memory of their late non-executive chairman, Niki Lauda.
The special touch on Lewis Hamilton’s and Valtteri Bottas’ W10s is one of several tributes from Mercedes this weekend.
A ‘Danke Niki’ (‘Thank you Niki’ in German) message and his signature also features on the nosecones.
F1 organisers have announced that a minute’s silence will be observed for the three-time world champion before the start of the race, at which time all 20 current drivers and “a number of Lauda’s contemporaries and peers” will each hold a red cap similar.
Mercedes’ are among a number of initiatives honouring Lauda throughout the 10-team field.
At McLaren, with which Lauda won the 1984 world drivers’ championship, there is special insignia on its cars, while his 1984 Austrian Grand Prix winner’s trophy is on display in its Brand Centre.
Austrian Grand Prix trophy awarded to Niki Lauda in his Championship winning 1984 season. Taking pride of place with our team back at the Brand Centre.#RIPNiki ❤️ #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/E54H57rry6
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 24, 2019
Ferrari, Lauda’s team for his two earlier world championships, has Lauda’s name on its cars while Sebastian Vettel is wearing a special helmet design.
#Seb5’s tribute to Niki ❤️#essereFerrari #CiaoNiki #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/ylfRY2PCL9
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 23, 2019
Formula 1 returns to the track for Practice 3 tonight at 2000 AEST, before Qualifying at 2300 AEST.