Lauda not suffering from pneumonia says physician

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It was reported last weekend that Niki Lauda had suffered a setback in his recovery efforts after contracting influenza, but the Austrian's doctor has denied that pneumonia has set in.

The Mercedes non-executive chairman was spending the holidays with his family in Ibiza where he was still in recovery mode after last summer's heavy surgery and lung transplant.

Lauda back in intensive care after recovery setback!

However, the 69-year-old was hit with the flu and was forced to return to the intensive care unit of Vienna's AKH hospital because of the weakness of his immune system.

"Because of the transplant, the situation is more complex than with a healthy person," explained Walter Klepetko, Lauda's specialist physician who added that his patient was "very tired" and suffering "from more than a cold".

Klepetko said Lauda could not be treated in a "normal ward" due to his transplant, but insisted the F1 legend had not contracted pneumonia and was not in need of ventilation.

"Niki was looking after his health and doing everything right," he said. "In his situation, certain risks are inevitable."

According to the Osterreich newspaper, Lauda is still scheduled to leave the hospital in the coming days.

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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.