Former F1 legend Niki Lauda backs Vettel's decision to defy Red Bull's orders

Former Formula One legend Niki Lauda has backed Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's decision to defy team orders and said that the champions were wrong to order the German to make way for new teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

The former Austrian racer said that it had been absolutely fair on Vettel's part to defy Red Bull's order, as that is a proper racing driver attitude.

According to the Mirror, Lauda said that being a former driver he could say that to make that call from the pit wall only annoys drivers instead of giving them any help.

The three-time former Formula One World Champion said that Red Bull boss Christian Horner gave Vettel an order to make way for the Australian and he said 'screw you', so there is a difference between the racers and team bosses.

Lauda said that the racers do not give orders, adding that everyone saw in Bahrain, where they were told to watch the cars and the drivers let them race, as that is their philosophy.

The former legend also said that the little known Ricciardo, still in his first season at Red Bull, is shaping up to be a real challenge for Vettel but tipped the four-time consecutive world champion to ultimately get the upper hand of the Australian.

Lauda said that he feels Vettel would quickly understand the new style and change his driving style and he would be like he had been earlier, adding that the German just has to challenge himself because the other guy is quicker in the same car.