James Hunt told the story of how Lauda burst into his hotel room on the morning of the Canadian GP in 76, fully suited and booted, helmet under his arm and shouted "today I will win the world championship" before storming out again.
Edit, found the quote. It was Watkins Glen.
"It was funny, that weekend at the Glen. Niki and I had adjoining rooms in the hotel, with a connecting door. Early on race morning he came stomping over to my bed, already in his overalls, and announced, ‘Today I vill vin ze Vorld Championship!’ Whether he was being funny or trying to psyche me out, I don’t know, but I just dissolved into helpless laughter"
When you consider the relationship between Hunt and Lauda and how they remained friends under the extreme pressure of that season, it is difficult to imagine two drivers from rival teams going for the championship remaining friends like that today.