Many of us remember god only when we are going through bad times. Formula 1 great Niki Lauda was no different. Toto Wolff revealed how the former Mercedes adviser Niki Lauda, the least religious person, sought divine help only when the team went through a bad phase.

Formula 1 is a sport of many uncertainties. One can plan as much as they want and think they’ve nailed the process to the T, but there are always some factors that can play spoilsport. In a sport where data analytics and projections matter a lot, natural things like temperature, wind, and rain can serve a harsh reality check.

Toto Wolff revealed Niki Lauda’s religious side

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff appeared for an interview with Formula 1 after the conclusion of the 2017 season. Toto answered questions related to the championship-winning season, Lewis Hamilton, and himself. However, what stuck out the most was when they asked him if he got religious when the team’s projections were pushed to the limit during a race.

Toto answered, “Funny that you bring up that matter up. One of the least religious people I know is Niki (Lauda), but sometimes in tricky situations he would pray in the garage: ‘Dear Lord, please help us!’ He is praying for the two of us. I sometimes tell him then: ‘You are such an opportunist!’”

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While Toto is not the most religious person in team Mercedes, their champion driver, Lewis Hamilton, certainly is. Hamilton has never shied away from admitting his reverence for divine power. He even once talked about how he felt he had god’s hand over him. The statement did not go too well with some, but Toto had no problem with it.

Toto Wolff unaffected by where Lewis Hamilton derives his strength from

Toto Wolff, in a 2018 interview with F1i, discussed his views on Lewis’ statement. The Mercedes boss told how Lewis had a clear vision of what he believed in and that was what made him the most successful modern F1 driver.

“I think we should see it as an inspiration, how he can find more and more strength in difficult periods,” Toto said.

“It gives him an exceptional power,” he continued. “And where I come from, I have learned not to judge people on what they need to perform well.”

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We all have our own beliefs and things we derive strength and inspiration from. If religious faith is what drives Lewis Hamilton to where he is today, who are we to question the champion himself?