Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dead at 70

Formula 1 has been rocked by the death of trailblazer and sporting legend Niki Lauda just days from the Monaco Grand Prix.

Niki Lauda is being remembered as a titan of Formula 1.

Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family has confirmed.

The three-time F1 world champion passed away peacefully on Tuesday (AEST) — five months after undergoing a lung transplant — The Sun reports.

“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” his family said in a statement.

“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.”

Niki Lauda at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix.

Lauda won three world titles as a Formula One driver in 1975, 1977 and 1984 with Mercedes and Ferrari.

The F1 titan was severely burned in a near-fatal crash in 1976 and incredibly came back to the sport, winning his second world championship a year later.

The comeback became the stuff of legend and his battle with Britain’s James Hunt was the subject of the hit movie ‘Rush.’

He was appointed as Mercedes’ non-executive chairman in 2012 and was involved in the signing of Lewis Hamilton to the team.

Niki Lauda was played by actor Daniel Bruhl in Hollywood film Rush.

He is also an airline entrepreneur and recently agreed to sell his controlling stake in Laudamotion to Ryanair.

According to reports in Austria, he initially became ill while on holiday in Ibiza and flew back to Vienna.

His condition became worse, which is when doctors decided to operate.

As a result of Lauda’s fireball injuries contracted 42 years ago, he has had two kidney transplants.

His brother Florian donated an organ in 1997 and his wife Brigit did the same in 2005.

Florian Lauda was quoted confirming his Formula 1 legend brother earlier this year needed dialysis treatment after his health began to deteriorate.

“Due to kidney problems, he had to be transferred from the rehabilitation centre to a private clinic for dialysis,” Florian Lauda said.

The death of the world champion has rocked the sport just days out from the start of the Monaco Grand Prix — the jewel in the sport’s crown.

Formula 1 earlier this year also lost icon Charlie Whiting when the veteran racing steward died less than 24 hours after the 2019 Formula 1 season was launched in Melbourne.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential people in the history of Formula 1, Whiting died at the age of 66 after suffering a pulmonary embolism just one day before he was scheduled to officiate the Australian Grand Prix.

LAUDA ‘ENSHRINED’ IN FORMULA 1 HISTORY

Niki Lauda sitting in McLaren Mercedes alongside his sons, Mathias, left, and Lukas, right.

Formula 1 team McLaren has led the the heartbroken motorsport world in remembering the three-time world champion.

Lauda remains the only driver to ever win world championships with both Ferrari and McLaren.

The iconic F1 outfit posted on social media that Lauda “will forever be in our hearts”.

Former world champion Jenson Button also paid his respects on social media.

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

RIP Niki 😔 pic.twitter.com/atc0iQanAN

— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 21, 2019

Dying, and given the last rites in 1976.
World Champion in 1977.

Niki Lauda. Warrior.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/r5m2pZ8sP2

— Richard Bayliss (@RSBayliss) May 21, 2019

Niki Lauda is a legend not just for what he achieved on the race track, but for what he overcame to get there. His story is an incredible one, he was determined beyond what would be considered normal, & he refused to back down to any challenge. That's what made him a legend. #RIP

— Nick DeGroot (@ndegroot89) May 21, 2019

Just seeing the reports of Niki Lauda’s passing. So, so saddened to hear this news.

His fighting spirit throughout his life was incredibly inspirational.

Thinking of his family, his friends and the entire racing world tonight. 🙏🏼

— Andrew Chernoff - WLKY (@ADChernoff) May 21, 2019

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation also released a statement on Tuesday.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Niki Lauda, three-time Formula 1 world champion, a legend of world motorsport and a regular visitor to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix,” chairman John Harnden said in the statement.

“On behalf of the Board and staff of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, we extend our deepest sympathies to Niki’s family, friends and all personnel from the broader Formula 1 family at this time.

“He will forever be remembered fondly by all those associated with the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.”

— This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk

Originally published as Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dead at 70