Niki Lauda has died aged 70
The three-time Formula 1 champion passed away peacefully, his family confirmed in a statement on Monday.
His family added in their statement: “His unique successes as a sportsman and entrepreneur are and remain unforgettable.
“His tireless drive, his straightforwardness and his courage remain an example and standard for us all. Away from the public gaze, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him very much.”
Tributes have been pouring in from the motor racing community for the Australian icon, with Jensen Button expressing his condolences on Twitter.
RIP Niki 😔 pic.twitter.com/atc0iQanAN
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 21, 2019
McLaren, for whom Lauda used to race, said Lauda ‘will be forever in our hearts and enshrined in our history’.
On Morning Ireland, former Jordan boss Eddie Jordan called Lauda ‘a true warrior’.
All at McLaren are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, colleague and 1984 Formula 1 World Champion, Niki Lauda, has passed away. Niki will forever be in our hearts and enshrined in our history. #RIPNiki pic.twitter.com/Ndd9ZEfm6B
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2019
Rest in peace Niki Lauda.
Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalised in our history. The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend.
The thoughts of everyone at F1 are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/olmnjDaefo
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2019
Everyone at Ferrari is deeply saddened at the news of the death of our dear friend Niki Lauda. He won two of his three world championships with us and will always be in our hearts and in those of all Ferrari fans. Our sincere condolences go to all his family and friends.#CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/mbzZBNZiRZ
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019
Lauda had a near death experience in 1976 when he crashed his Ferrari at the Nurburgring, escaping with severe burns to his face.
He finished second in the F1 Championship that year to James Hunt. Their rivalry was made into a film, Rush, in 2013.
Lauda had struggled with illness in recent years, undergoing two kidney transplants and receiving an organs donated by his brother and girlfriend.
In August 2018, he had a lung transplant after contracting a “serious lung illness.”
