F1 Legend Niki Lauda passed away
Yesterday three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda has passed away at the age of 70.
The Austrian ex-F1 driver and Mercedes F1 team chairman had been battling health issues since mid-last year. Afther his lung transplant in August he required a two-month stay on intensive-care.
He was then hospitalised again for a short period at the beginning of 2019 after contracting a flu infection. There have been reports from Austrian press in the recent days that he had been receiving kidney dialysis in Switzerland.
Sadly, it has now been confirmed that he has succumbed to his ill health, passing away on Monday surrounded by family.
"With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday," his family said in a statement issued to Austrian media.
"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, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed."
The great Austrian was an icon of Formula 1. He won three world championships, survived a fiery 1976 crash that left him permanently scarred, and had management roles at Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes.
Lauda also founded airlines, and had five children. His last two children were with his second wife Birgit, who donated a kidney to Lauda in 2005.
"His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable. His tireless zest for action, and his straightforwardness and courage, remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us," Lauda's family continued.
"He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed very much."
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A sad loss.. rest in peace Niki Lauda.
A true legend and a really honest human being,RIP Niki Lauda
I'm so sad that a great man has gone so soon. He was so straight-forward and honest that he was a breath of fresh air for F1. He will be greatly missed. RIP Niki.
A truly inspiring man. A sad loss and condolences to those closest to him
How sad for all of us. RIP!
After his horrific accident at Nurburg where he almost died, to come back and race 40 days later was beyond heroic, a non nonsense man who lived life to the full and some.
I met him once and it was humbling to be in his presence, he will be greatly missed along with of course dear old Charlie Whiting, may they both RIP.
Most sad... we've lost a legend and great man. RIP.
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