F1 stars pay tribute to late legend Niki Lauda with messages on their cars at Monaco Grand Prix

THE F1 world will pay special tribute to the late Niki Lauda this weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix by sporting special messages on their cars.

After the death of the three-time world champion earlier this week at the age of 70, the F1 paddock reconvened on Thursday and there has been an outpouring of emotion.

Many of the F1 teams will carry their own special tribute while Mercedes will paint their halo red to honour Lauda, who always wore a red cap.

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel will wear a special helmet to pay homage to Lauda, while Toro Rosso will have a sticker on both cars throughout the race.

Fans have been urged to wear a red cap or display a message or banner and there will be a minute's silence held on the start of the grid before Sunday's race.

A statement by F1.com read: "Formula 1, the FIA, the Automobile Club de Monaco and all ten teams are also inviting all fans attending the race in Monaco to pay their own tribute to the driver who won in the Principality in 1975 and 1976, during the in-lap of this the 90th edition of the race.

“They can either wear a red cap, display a message on a banner, or simply applaud, while those watching from the yachts in the harbour are invited to sound their klaxons.”

Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, 34, posted a touching message on Instagram earlier this week to pay his respects.

He wrote: "I’m struggling to believe you are gone.

“I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together.

“God rest your soul. Thank you for being a bright light in my life.

“I’ll always be here for your family should they ever need me.

“Love you man.”