Both Lauda and Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff commented after the race at Suzuka on Sunday about how little they felt Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg appeared on the TV pictures en route to a one-two finish for the team.

"It was funny, to be honest," Lauda told reporters in the Suzuka paddock.

"I was watching TV all day long, and funny enough I saw Saubers and a lot of Honda cars, but I don't know why.

"Somebody must do the filming here; I have to ask what's wrong with him.

"I want to see Bernie next week and ask him what is the reason.

"At the moment I can't say much but it was funny today that even the pitstop of Lewis - the leader - you only saw him driving out.

"You didn't even see if he changed his wheels. So it was interesting."

Wolff said he does not know what more Mercedes could do to be worthy of TV time.

"I wasn't sure during the race where we were," he added.

"I needed to look at the timing screens because you couldn't see the cars on track.

"Our first priority is to win the race. If that is not enough, then this is beyond my control."

When asked if Mercedes had upset Ecclestone, Wolff said: "It's always very difficult to please Bernie all the time. I need to find out."

Both Lauda and Wolff dismissed speculation Mercedes' TV time was being cut because of its decision not to supply Red Bull with engines next year - with Ecclestone known to be involved intrying to broker a supply deal to keep Red Bull in F1.

"I don't think you can go in that direction," said Lauda.

"I spoke to Bernie on a couple of occasions about this engine deal and it was very clear [Dietrich] Mateschitz [Red Bull owner] never really approached us.

"Then Ferrari came and offered an engine and it is now being negotiated whatever engine [Red Bull] will get.

"So Bernie is not upset with us about the engine, that's for sure."

Wolff added: "No, I don't think this is linked [to Red Bull].

"Obviously spectacular TV pictures are important and some of the shots were spectacular.

"There was some good fighting in the midfield and this is where the camera was on."