Lauda not critical inside team - Rosberg

Niki Lauda is not as outspoken and brash behind the scenes, according to Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg.

The Munich newspaper TZ asked German Rosberg if it bothers him that Lauda, Mercedes’ team chairman who is also a pundit for German TV, is often critical of his performances publicly.

"There are two different sides to Lauda," the Mercedes driver answered.

"What he says on television is often completely different to what he says behind closed doors. So the important one for me is what happens internally.

"Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe run the business," said Rosberg. "Niki plays a supporting role, I guess.

"As a former racer, he understands many things and is often quite successful in being conciliatory and bringing people together in difficult moments," he added.