Lauda understands Schumacher information blackout

Niki Lauda has backed the decision of Michael Schumacher’s family to safeguard the privacy of the F1 great.

Lauda, the Mercedes team chairman and triple world champion, admits the total lack of information about Schumacher’s condition has led to wild tabloid speculation, which is "not good".

"The family protects him and I understand that completely," Lauda told the German broadcaster Sky. "But it means that all those who would like to know something, do not."

Lauda said he has no inside information.

"I often think of him," he revealed. "But unfortunately I have no contact. We all just hope, hope, hope."

But Lauda admitted the total information blackout has led to unhelpful media speculation about Schumacher, so "The question is whether some kind of middle ground in terms of communication" can be found.