Hamilton: Mercedes' F1 constructors' title less special without Lauda
Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes' sixth Formula 1 constructors' championship does not feel as "happy" as its others following non-executive chairman Niki Lauda's death earlier this year
Three-time world champion Lauda, who died in May aged 70, had overseen Mercedes' rise to prominence alongside its motorsport boss Toto Wolff.
While Hamilton said the sixth straight constructors' title Mercedes clinched at the Japanese Grand Prix was something the team should be proud of, he added Lauda's absence had taken the shine off its 2019 success.
"It definitely feels a little bit different," said Hamilton.
"I wouldn't say as happy as previously, because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him.
"Naturally I'm very, very proud of the team. Very proud of everyone back at the factory, and I know Niki would be taking off his hat for today's [title-winning] result.
"I think we owe him a huge amount and this win is really for him.
"I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do.
"[I'm] very, very proud to be a part of it, and a part of the journey - but it has been a difficult, a tough year for us.
"As I said, I know he'll be proud, I know his family will be as well. The team should be proud too."
Securing the constructors' crown means Mercedes will become the first F1 team to claim six consecutive title doubles, as Hamilton and team-mate Bottas are the only two still in contention for the drivers' crown.
Ferrari won six constructors' titles between 1999 and '04, but did not secure the drivers' championship in the first of those years.
Bottas, who has partnered Hamilton for Mercedes' three most recent title successes, said it was important for the team to try to appreciate what it has achieved.
"We're making history and, it's funny with anything you do, if you are getting success and so on, sometimes it's quite tricky to realise that success," he said.
"Sometimes you have to step outside, a step or two, to realise it really.
"I'm sure we will look back at this afterwards at some point, that wow, we made six and obviously hopefully more.
"But this moment, I hope we all can really appreciate it and take the time to enjoy it as well, even though we need to keep pushing.
"It just feels like life goes pretty quickly onwards and it's very important to enjoy those moments and, at least personally for me, I'm really, really proud, really happy for every single team-member."
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