Former F1 champion and a legend of the sport, Niki Lauda, passed away at the age of 70-years.
Lauda, who survived a horrific crash in the 1976 German GP at Nurburgring where he damaged his face through burns, had been subjected to health issues over the years but battled through each and every problem with superhuman-like will and power.
Last year, he underwent a lung transplant which confined the Mercedes F1 non-executive chairman at his home and hospital. A lung transplant is a heavy surgery for any patient and there are complications in abundance as per the doctors.
But Lauda continued to battle through even though there were few hiccups along the way where he had to be hospitalised again. Austrian reported of troubles again for the Austrian in the last weeks until the final announcement of his death on Monday, May 20, 2019.
“In deep sadness we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away in the circle of his family on Monday, May 20, 2019,” said a statement from the family. “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 standard for all of us. Away from the public, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He will miss us very much.”
As mentioned above, Lauda worked with Mercedes in recent times and remained part of the F1 circus. Part of life – especially the 1976 title battle with James Hunt – was also made into a commercial movie, ‘Rush’ by acclaimed director Ron Howard.
From everyone at FormulaRapida.net, condolences to Niki’s family and friends
