Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda has celebrated a milestone, reaching his 70th birthday in the same week his red sponsor’s hat turned 43.
“I feel so attached to this hat” Lauda told Austrian reporters, “literally, I can’t get it off”
The Mercedes non-executive chairman and racing icon celebrated the milestone by wearing a special Novomatic themed party hat at a birthday gathering during the week.
“It was so much fun!” the Austrian confirmed.
“We did pin the front wing on the W10, Valtteri won the sack race and we all played musical chairs!” Lauda told the press, “Esteban Ocon couldn’t find a seat!”
Lauda started wearing the hat in 1976 after his accident, and since then it has become a permanent symbol and image in the paddock.
Both Lauda and the hat were inundated with birthday messages from the Formula 1 community.
“Niki, to you and your hat, from all of us here at Mercedes we can’t wait to see you soon back on Niki’s head back on track” Team Principal Toto Wolff said in an online video.
“Hey Hat, Lewis here, sending you positive vibes” Lewis Hamilton said
“You inspire me, you inspire the team, and you inspired a $249.99 TOMMXLEWIS Baseball cap I designed” Hamilton confirmed.
