Niki Lauda has thanked the Formula 1 community for its support and messages as he continues to recover from a lung transpꦓlant, and is hopeful of returning to the paddock "soon."

Three-time F1 world champion and Mercedes non-executive chairman Lauda was 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果🅷历史:hospitalised back in August to un😼dergo a lung 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:transplant, and was dꦯischarged at the end of October to continue his rehabilitation.

In his first message since surgery that was posted to Mercedes' F1 soc🐽ial media accounts on Saturday morning, Lauda paid tribute to the F1 community and to💛 the Mercedes team following its fifth straight championship success this year, led by Lewis Hamilton.

"A message to my team and my friends. As you all know, I had ♔a rough time from my health point of view, and the support I got from all you people on my way was unbelievable," Lauda said.

"I was out of bed quicker because I felt to be home in a big strong family and friends. Therefore the achievement of this year, outstanding, five championships in a row, Lewis again, [Valtt♓eri] Bottas right there, we could not have done a betteꦜr job.

Lauda has been an integral part of Mercedes' F1 project since September 2012, working with team boss Toto Wolff, and notably played a key role in signing Hamilton from McLaren for the start of the 2013๊ season.

Mercedes paid a special tribute to Lauda in its title celebrations after the Brazilian Grand Prix as all team members donned the Austrian's famou♕s red cap.