Lauda: Hamilton 'right' to respect Vettel battle more

Apr.12 - Lewis Hamilton respects his new battle with Sebastian Vettel more than his acrimonious former scrap with now retired world champion Nico Rosberg, Niki Lauda has suggested.

Ever since Rosberg decided to quit F1, Hamilton has been giving hints that he does not fully acknowledge the retired German's talent.

"Well, this is the first time he has won in 18 years, so it's not a surprise that he decided to stop," the Briton said just after Rosberg made his announcement late last year.

And now, with Hamilton and Ferrari's Vettel tied after two races in 2017, Hamilton suggests he much prefers battling against the German wearing red.

"The scenario I'm in right now - fighting against a four-time world champion - the ultimate fighter always wants to go up against the best battle that he can have.

"Because then when you come out on top, it's just so much more satisfying," Hamilton added.

If it sounds like a poison dart fired in Rosberg's direction, Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda agrees.

"This is, of course, a shot against Nico," the F1 legend told German television Sky.

"Now he fights against someone who has won several world championship titles, of course he plays this up and enjoys it," Lauda added. "That's his right.

"Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe this (Vettel battle) has freed him."

Indeed, he suggested that after years of intra-team acrimony with Rosberg, Hamilton is now relishing a fight with another driver and a better atmosphere within Mercedes.

"Lewis is getting along really well with Valtteri -- the two harmonise and motivate each other," said Lauda.

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