Niki Lauda: The Passing of a Legend

One of the most legendary Formula 1 drivers has left us: Niki Lauda died last night at the age of 70, in his sleep. A victim of a pulmonary embolism a year ago, the triple world champion underwent yet another lung transplant in August 2018.

As a driver or more recently as a non-executive director at Mercedes, the Austrian was an iconic figure in the paddock. His passing deeply affects the entire Formula 1 community, including Motors Inside, which wishes to extend its condolences to the driver’s family. In addition to his outstanding skills as a champion and athlete, Niki Lauda was also a man of strong character, who did not hesitate to speak out and say aloud what some were thinking quietly.

His legend was marked by his terrible accident at the Nürburgring circuit on August 1, 1976. At the wheel of his Ferrari, he suffered a terrible crash into a safety wall and was trapped in the flames of his car for a minute before being rescued by three competitors. Niki Lauda escaped death but inhaled toxic gases, which led to pulmonary complications, and was severely burned on his face.

Miraculously out of the hospital six weeks later, he immediately got back behind the wheel to secure fourth place in the Italian Grand Prix. In contention for the drivers’ title, he chose to forgo the final race at Fuji in torrential rain rather than risk his life. The epilogue of a memorable season against his great rival, the British driver James Hunt (who passed away in June 1993), brilliantly recounted in the film Rush released in September 2013.

Father of four children, Niki Lauda’s family issued a statement with these words: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Niki, surrounded by his loved ones. What he accomplished as an athlete and then as an entrepreneur is and will remain unforgettable, just like his tireless thirst for action, his honesty, and his courage. He was a reference, a model for all of us, a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather in private. We will miss him greatly.

The emotion is also palpable on the side of Scuderia Ferrari, Niki Lauda’s team for 4 years, from 1974 to 1977.

« Today is a sad day for F1. The big Ferrari family learned with deep sadness the news of the death of its friend Niki Lauda, three-time world champion, twice with the Scuderia. You will forever remain in our hearts and those of the tifosi. Ciao Niki. »

Everyone at Ferrari is deeply saddened at the news of the death of our dear friend Niki Lauda. He won two of his three world championships with us and will always be in our hearts and in those of all Ferrari fans. Our sincere condolences go to all his family and friends.#CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/mbzZBNZiRZ

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019

But more generally, it’s the entire Formula 1 paddock that mourns on this Tuesday the passing of the Austrian hero.

Dear Niki… pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) 21 mai 2019

Very sad day.
Rest in peace Legend. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/aN5w32MAe5

— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) 21 mai 2019