Niki Lauda is dead

His track record, his approach to racing, his return to the highest level after the terrible accident he suffered during the 1976 edition of the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, and his relationship with James Hunt immortalized in the film Rush, Niki Lauda was one of the greatest drivers in history, not to say one of the greatest sportsmen as his self-sacrifice aroused respect.

Operated on August 3 for a lung transplant at the AKH hospital in Vienna (Austria) after his condition deteriorated while he was staying in Ibiza, he remained hospitalized for two months, before returning at the beginning of January due to of a flu-like illness. Not surprisingly, we did not see the non-executive director of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team on the circuits. He finally passed away yesterday, at the age of 70.

« It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear Niki surrounded by his family., his family said in a statement sent to Austrian media. What he accomplished as an athlete and then as an entrepreneur is and will remain unforgettable, as will his tireless thirst for action, his frankness, and his courage. He was a reference, a model for all of us, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. We will miss him very much ».

Triple F1 world champion on behalf of Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 then McLaren in 1984, his statistics sheet is also rich with 25 victories, 54 podiums and 24 pole positions in 171 Grands Prix contested under the colors of March, BRM, Ferrari, Brabham and McLaren. But even more than the pilot, it is his extraordinary personality that everyone will remember.

To his family and loved ones, the editorial staff of AUTOhebdo sends its most sincere condolences.

Rest in peace Niki Lauda.

Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalized in our history. The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend.

The thoughts of everyone at F1 are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/olmnjDaefo

- Formula 1 (@ F1) May 21, 2019