Lauda back in intensive care after recovery setback!

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Niki Lauda has hit a roadblock on his road to recovery following the lung transplant undergone by the F1 legend last summer.

The Mercedes non-executive chairman has been slowly but surely putting himself on the mend after a critical condition diagnosed in July led to heavy surgery for the Austrian.

While the transplant was deemed a success, Lauda underwent a lengthy convalescence period in intensive care and then at his home in Austria.

Lauda touched by hand-written letter from Vettel

However, progress enabled the three-time world champion to travel to Ibiza in December where he unfortunately contracted a flu virus while celebrating Christmas with his family, a state of affairs that was bad news for Lauda's vulnerable immune system.

According to a report from Austria's Krone, the former driver was transported earlier this week back to the intensive care unit of Vienna's AKH hospital.

Lauda, who will be 70-years-old on February 22, had tentatively scheduled a return to the paddock for Melbourne, but that target may have to be pushed back following his latest medical setback.

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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.