As a former Austrian F1 driver, Niki Lauda had the track of having won 3 F1 world titles between 1975 and 1984
The legendary Formula One big shot Niki Lauda, has been confirmed to have ‘ passed away peacefully on Monday’ by his family. He had received a lung transplant back in August 2018. The former Formula 1 driver had to his credits three F1 world titles between 1975 and 1984 and has been admired for his sheer determination and will power ever since the unfortunate crash in 1976.
“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” An Austrian press agency reports the family’s statement thus. ““his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain. A role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.”
An exceptional driver with out-of-the-world precision on the track, Lauda had competed in a total of 171 races during his career, out of which he took 25! He was also into airline business and had assumed senior roles in F1 management post retirement, the most recent one being the non-executive chairman at Mercedes since 2012. Niki Lauda had played a key role in bringing Lewis Hamilton to the team back then.
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
Born in 1949, Niki Lauda stepped into racing and motorsports against the wishes of his family and his maiden race had commenced in 1971. Later on in his career, he was found racing for Ferrari, with whom he had had his first title as well. Rivalry with the British driver James Hunt was of key significance in Lauda’s life. The Niki Lauda James Hunt jostle still describes an era in the history of Formula One Racing.
Dear Niki… pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) May 21, 2019
Lauda’s sheer determination and bravery was revealed after a bloody crash at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in 1976. Caught in the burning wreckage of his car, Lauda had then suffered horrific injuries but made his way back to life and racing quite miraculously. Below is a video footage of the crash, just to let you know how horrible it was…
Tributes have already been flowing in from across the world, commemorating the F1 legend, we have left some of the key ones here for your perusal. Lost is a legend and past is an era in F1!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
