Lauda's Abu Dhabi absence confirmed

Martin Macdonald Friday 23 November 2018 11:33

Niki Lauda will not be in attendance at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina as he continues his recovery from major surgery at home, according to his friend and colleague Helmut Marko, who confirmed his absence on Friday morning.

The Austrian has had two kidney transplants over the years, with the latest coming during the summer which left him unable to fulfill his duties as special advisor to Mercedes.

Article continues under video

It was reported that Lauda was determined to make one appearance before the end of the season, with Abu Dhabi being the last race, but Marko has revealed that he doesn't quite have the energy yet.

"He's doing much better, but he just does not yet have the strength to be here," Red Bull boss Marko told German broadcaster RTL.

Hats off to you, Niki ???? pic.twitter.com/t5CpbpivVl — Formula 1 (@F1) November 15, 2018

Lauda spent almost three months in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery which doctors believe saved him from certain death. The three-time world champion fell ill while on holiday in Spain and was later taken to hospital in Vienna, where he underwent the operation.

Doctors later revealed that Lauda would have died within days if he had not undergone the transplant.

Latest News

GPFans Recap

Ricciardo given SHOCK F1 move verdict as 2025 grid re-shuffles - GPFans F1 Recap

Yesterday 23:42

F1 Social

F1 star forced into INCREDIBLE Christmas forfeit

Yesterday 22:55

Latest F1 News

Ricciardo F1 move framed in surprise career claim

Yesterday 21:57

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton signing prompts ASTONISHING Ferrari chief rant

Yesterday 20:57

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen unveils F1 BREAK plans

Yesterday 19:57

Red Bull News

Red Bull awarded surprise victory in official F1 verdict

Yesterday 18:54

More news

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY