Niki Lauda: Lewis Hamilton excused from Monaco Grand Prix press conference after death of legendary F1 driver

Lewis Hamilton has pulled out of Wednesday’s Monaco Grand Prix press conference after the death of Niki Lauda.

Formula 1’s world champion is understood to be emotional with the legendary driver passing away on Tuesday morning.

The 34-year-old had been due join Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen but the FIA have granted dispensation.

After the loss of the Mercedes non-executive chairman Lauda, the Englishman was informed by the sport’s governing body that his attendance was not necessary.

A Mercedes spokesperson said: “We have asked for Lewis to be excused in the circumstances following yesterday’s news. The FIA have kindly agreed a dispensation.”

An arranged media session with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was postponed until Thursday.

Lauda, who joined the Silver Arrows in 2012, died on Monday.

Valtteri Bottas replaced team-mate Hamilton at the press conference.

“It meant a lot to me, but also to every single team member,” said the Finn as he reflected on Lauda’s death.

“Niki was a big part of the Mercedes family. He was a massive motivation for myself as a driver for everything he achieved and the difficult career he had, with the comeback.

“It is not nice in terms of a mindset to the team, but I am sure we can respect Niki by going flat out on track and getting a good result this weekend.”

Verstappen said: “Niki was a legend of the sport. He achieved a lot in his career, but also after his career had finished – he was generous and funny.

“He was a great guy and it is a big loss to Formula One.”

PA Sport contributed to this report