Niki Lauda, Austrian Formula 1 legend, dies at 70

[Adrianli]

Shocked to learn that he had passed away.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48345660

 

Three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70.

 

The legendary Austrian, one of the best-known figures in motor racing, took the title for Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984.

 

For many, he will be remembered for his remarkable recovery and return to racing after being badly burned in a crash in the 1976 German Grand Prix.

 

Lauda, who underwent a lung transplant in August, "passed away peacefully" on Monday, his family said.

 

After his career as a racing driver, he became an airline entrepreneur and, most recently, a non-executive chairman for the Formula 1 Mercedes team, instrumental in bringing in British driver Lewis Hamilton, who has won five world championships.

 

"His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us," his family's statement said.

 

'A remarkable life lived in Technicolor'

On 1 August 1976, one year after winning his first title, he suffered third-degree burns to his head and face and inhaled toxic gases that damaged his lungs after his vehicle burst into flames at Nurburgring.

 

He was given the last rites in hospital but made an almost miraculous recovery and returned to racing, still bandaged, just 40 days later.

 

British former F1 champion Jenson Button has called him a "legend" while McLaren said Lauda would be "enshrined in our history".

 

 

Lauda's rivalry with British driver James Hunt, the 1976 world champion, was portrayed in the acclaimed film Rush in 2013.

 

He underwent two kidney transplants, the second kidney donated in 2005 by his then-girlfriend Birgit Wetzinger, a former flight attendant for his airline whom he married in 2008.

 

 

Besides their twins, a boy and a girl born in 2009, Lauda also had three sons from previous relationships.

 

In January, Lauda spent some 10 days in hospital while suffering from influenza.

[sake]

Saddened by the news. He will be missed. RIP.

Edited May 21, 2019 by sake

[Cheesey74]

Those who r interested in Niki earlier racing life can go watch the movie Rush, very solid racing movie, i watched it twice so far..

 

[ThreeSeventyZed]

Yes. Rush is a nice movie. Motorsport enthusiasts should watch it.

[Datsun366]

RIP

 

A legend and an inspiration.

 

Austrian pride and joy.

 

Btw he was half of a pair of twins.

Edited May 21, 2019 by Datsun366

[Spring]

RIP Niki Lauda

[Inlinefour]

[Wt_know]

oh gosh. no wonder didnt see him in Merc garage during race

Edited May 21, 2019 by Wt_know

[Watwheels]

His lungs should have failed and he should not have survived after the crash. But his determination to get back to the race is amazing. And he get to live to 70. That's impressive. RIP.

[Xers007]

His lungs should have failed and he should not have survived after the crash. But his determination to get back to the race is amazing. And he get to live to 70. That's impressive. RIP.

 

He is like Ironman without those artificial parts.. RIP sir.

[Adrianli]

Newspaper report from TNP. I hope they observe a minute of silence at Monaco GP this weekend as a respect to Niki.

 

[Ichibawa]

Living on borrowed time after his crash in 1976, his determination, relentlessness and passion for the sports has helped a few drivers and teams achieved record breaking status. 

 

To the legend, RIP.  

[1fast1]

Very sad. Pivotal to two of my favourite teams, Ferrari and McLaren.

[Bradd]

Most utter respect to the legend.