Lauda could head into retirement after 2020

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Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda could call it a day at the end of 2020 and terminate his involvement in Formula 1.

The 68-year-old Grand Prix legend recently announced that he would relinquish his role as TV pundit with Germany's RTL.

But Lauda insists he's not winding down his professional activities, at least not yet.

Lauda quits TV gig with German broadcaster RTL

"I'm already at every race, but now I have no secondary tasks and I can be there 100 per cent for Mercedes," Lauda told Bild am Sonntag.

The three-time world champion says he is committed to Mercedes until the end of 2020, which is when the sport's current Concorde Agreements also run out.

Asked if he can imagine quitting F1, Lauda answered: "Yes, logically.

"My Mercedes contract goes until 2020, which I will fulfill. Then I'll have a look. Talking about it now is much too early."

However, Lauda said spending more time with his family, including a wife and two young children, will not be a major consideration.

"They see me as often as ever," he insisted.

"There are only 21 weekends of the year that I'm away and the rest I spend at home like a normal family man. My family has no problem with that," said Lauda.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.