Greater Noida: It maybe devoid of interesting characters these days and has become predictable due to dominance of Sebastian Vettel but Formula One is still not boring, legendary Austrian racer Niki Lauda asserted Saturday. Lauda, whose F1 rivalry with James Hunt was recently screened in the movie 'Rush', said with the time a lot has changed in the sport and so are the drivers.
"There are different drivers today because they need not to be worrying about getting killed. It's much easier today but it is a normal development for F1. It's very safe. It's not boring at all," Lauda, who lifted the world title thrice and was a super star in his days, said.
"It's different to the old days but we cannot bring the old days back. It's still very interesting no question. F1 has certainly developed from my time in a big way, next year will be even better because we will have new cars and new engines. It's going to be very interesting," added the 64-year-old, who survived a crash in 1976 in the German Grand Prix.
The crash had left him with severe burn injuries, disfiguring his face. The Austrian, who won titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984, highly praised Red Bull driver Vettel, who is on the verge of wining his fourth straight title.
"Vettel is doing a great job. He will be the world champion here tomorrow. It's my clear statement. Four times to win a championship in a row for me is sensational. Vettel is dominating everything but let's hope there is more competition next year," he said.
Talking about his own rivalry with Briton Hunt, he said, "It was a tough rivalry specially with my accident." Asked what comes to his mind when he thinks of rivalry on the track in this era, he said, "Nothing that dramatic."
Talking about the Indian Grand Prix, Lauda felt it should come back in 2015. "Let's hope they hold it, so that all the world can come back here. Track is very nice, international very good and high standard. There is nothing to complain about."
The legendary driver was also impressed with Force India and hoped they would do better in the next season. "Force India is doing a very good job because the races in the past have been very good and quick. Next year they will change the engines, so it will be better. Let's wait and see," he said.
Lauda was extremely pleased with the way the movie 'Rush' was received worldwide. "I watched the movies like you did. The reception worldwide is unbelievable. No negative comments. Already 72 million dollars in income. Lot of people have seen it worldwide and liked it. It's a movie about two guys fighting each other and therefore it is well received. I was surprised myself when they approached me to speak about this," he said.
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