Wolff pays homage to "irreplaceable hero" Lauda

Three-time world champion Lauda passed away on Monday evening at the age of 70, having been hospitalised earlier this year following a flu-like infection.

Lauda, who won his three F1 titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984, was a non-executive chairman at Mercedes, having joined the German manufacturer in 2012.

He also owned a 10% stake in Mercedes Grand Prix Limited and had a contract to remain with the team at least until 2020, like Wolff himself.

Wolff said with Lauda's passing, Mercedes had lost a "guiding light".

"First of all, on behalf of the team and all at Mercedes, I wish to send our deepest condolences to Birgit, Niki's children, his family and close friends," said Wolff in a statement sent by Mercedes.

"Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport - he combined heroism, humanity and honesty inside and outside the cockpit.

"His passing leaves a void in Formula 1. We haven't just lost a hero who staged the most remarkable comeback ever seen, but also a man who brought precious clarity and candour to modern Formula 1. He will be greatly missed as our voice of common sense.

"Our Mercedes team has also lost a guiding light. As a teammate over the past six and a half years, Niki was always brutally honest - and utterly loyal.

"It was a privilege to count him among our team and moving to witness just how much it meant to him to be part of the team's success. Whenever he walked the floor in Brackley and Brixworth, or delivered one of his famous motivational speeches, he brought an energy that nobody else could replicate.

"Niki, you are quite simple irreplaceable, there will never be another like you. It was our honour to call you our Chairman - and my privilege to call you my friend."

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey also paid tribute to Lauda.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Niki Lauda," said Carey. "Formula 1 has lost not only one of the truly great exponents of the sport but also one of its heroes. His love of racing and the courage he demonstrated were simply extraordinary and he inspired so many fans.

"His passing is a great loss for the entire Formula 1 family and motorsport as a whole. All our thoughts go out to his family."