No changes to Lauda's F1 schedule following airline purchase

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Niki Lauda just bought back the 'Niki' airline he founded in 2003, but the investment won't affect his duties as Mercedes non-executive chairman in Formula 1.

While his eponymous airline will require proper attention to reestablish its business, the three-time world champion will still be in the Mercedes garage at every race.

"Why should anything change?" said Lauda.

"I will fulfill my role within Mercedes AMG as before. I will attend every GP and will be in Brackley as often as it is required.

The Austrian will largely dedicate day-to-day management of the airline to senior executives, insisting his responsibilities won't include the role of operational CEO.

The company will be renamed LaudaMotion and will lift its wheels off the ground by March with a fleet of 15 Airbus planes.

"It was always clear that Niki will stay fully committed to his role in our team. He is already eager for the new season to start," said Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff.

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