What happened: Christian Horner said he convinced Niki Lauda to back signing Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes during 2012. The account adds Horner's version of the move ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.

Why it matters: Hamilton's Mercedes tenure became the defining driver-team pairing of the modern era. Lauda's backing remains central to how that hiring decision is understood.

What to watch: The paddock heads to the MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Austin opens a triple-header stretch to close the 2026 season.