Dr Helmut Marko has revealed he is pleased Lewis Hamilton is moving to Mercedes.

Red Bull's driver manager, who is also the team owner Dietrich Mateschitz's right-hand man on racing matters, told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport he needs to thank Niki Lauda.

Triple world champion Lauda has officially joined Mercedes, after helping the German marque with its Concorde Agreement negotiations and convincing Hamilton to jump ship from top team McLaren.

"Niki has done us a favour," said outspoken Austrian Marko. "He has weakened Lewis and McLaren.

"Next year, we have two opponents less," he added.