Question: A week or so on from that heart-stopping finale in Brazil, how would you rate the 2008 season?
Niki Lauda: It was one of the best that I can remember. Three races to go and we still had four drivers in the championship game - from three different teams. That’s pretty unique. And the final decision was all about keeping cool on the driver side and, on the team side, having a car that delivered just at the right time. All I can say is hats off to everyone!
Question: The championship was decided in the very last corner of the very last race. In your view, did the right driver win?
Niki Lauda: Yes, as the right candidate is the one who has accumulated the most points at the end of the season - and that was Lewis Hamilton. History has shown that it is not necessarily the one with the most wins or the most competitive car. Hamilton had the right package and as a result he is world champion.
Question: Ferrari won the constructors championship by 21 points, suggesting that two equally competitive drivers are required to achieve this title. Is this something that McLaren were lacking?
Niki Lauda: Well, Heikki Kovalainen showed some very strong moments this year and he also improved his performance and consistency. He is a perfect wingman for Lewis. At Ferrari it is always the case that the team concentrates on the more promising driver, and then when you have two strong drivers - as they had this season - then you will be able to get the constructors’ world championship.
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