Lauda: Hamilton 'destroyed' luxury hospitality suite after losing to Rosberg

The three-times world champion has suggested the Briton blew a fuse after hitting a barrier in Baku and losing pole position to team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Speaking before Rosberg's crash in Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, Lauda appeared to pour cold water on claims that Hamilton and Rosberg suddenly had a friendly working relationship, a claim made by Hamilton before last week's collision.

"He did it (destroyed the suite) because he had crashed. He’ll have to pay for that (the suite). You can count on that.

"“He told me I couldn’t come in because he was going to destroy everything. This is how it was.”

Hamilton is only 11 points behind Rosberg after claiming victory on a dramatic last lap in Austria.

Rosberg blamed Hamilton for their collision on the final lap.

Hamilton was hunting down Rosberg in the closing stages at the Red Bull Ring, and on the last lap he attacked down the outside into Turn Two.

Rosberg, who was battling braking problems, then appeared not to turn into the corner, leading to contact with Hamilton and front wing damage to his own car that dropped him to fourth by the chequered flag.

Hamilton is chasing a record-equalling fourth victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend.