Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dies

May 21, 2019
Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dies Niki Lauda RIP
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The passing of three-time world champion Niki Lauda, at the age of 70 leaves a huge void in the Formula 1 family landscape.


The Austrian legend suffered a setback after undergoing a lung transplant and died on the May 21, 2019. Lauda, described by former Irish Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan as ‘a warrior’ won two championships with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977, and again for Mclaren in 1984.

Between those wins Lauda will be most remembered for surviving a life-threatening crash during the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in 1976 when his car burst into flames on impact. He was dragged clear of the burning wreck by other drivers but suffered severe injuries, the scars of which were evident thereafter.

It was a mark of the man’s bravery and determination that he returned to racing just 40 days after that horrific crash and went on to win the title again for Ferrari in 1977. In 1979 he retired from competing only to be coaxed back to the grid by the McLaren boss Ron Dennis and went on to win his third championship for the team in 1984. Lauda finally hung up his helmet in 1985 at the age of 36.

In the intervening years Lauda launched his own airline, Lauda Air which was later taken over by Austrian Air. In later years he launched Nikiairlines, a low cost airline now owned by Ryanair.

Lauda’s rivalry and friendship with James Hunt are part of the folklore of Formula 1 as are his years up to his death as non-executive director of the Mercedes F1 team where he is credited with being instrumental in signing and mentoring current world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Niki Lauda competed in 171 Grand Prix races, won 25, was on the podium 54 times and won three world championships (1975, 1977 and 1984). He is survived by his second wife Birgit, their twins Max and Mia and sons Mathias Lukas and Christoph.
Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dies
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