Niki Lauda, Austrian Formula 1 Champion, Dies at 70

A legend in Formula One history and an aviation mogul, Niki Lauda lived an interesting life in his 70 years on earth. According to reports, Lauda passed away yesterday.

Three-time Formula One Champion, Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70. Not only was he a legend on the track but he also became a prominent name in the Aviation industry.

Lauda’s family issued a statement to the Austria Press Agency saying the three-time world champion “passed away peacefully” on Monday.

Lauda's doctor, Walter Klepetko, who performed a lung transplant on Lauda last year, also released a statement saying:

“Niki Lauda has died. I have to confirm that.”

“His unique successes as a sportsman and entrepreneur are and remain unforgettable,” read the family statement. “His tireless drive, his straightforwardness, and his courage remain an example and standard for us all. Away from the public gaze, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him very much.”

Lauda won the F1 drivers’ championship in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari. He then went on to bag the honor again in 1984 with McLaren.

Two of his wins came after a terrifying accident in 1976. He was badly burned when he crashed during the German Grand Prix in one of the most horrific accidents in the sport. He made an astonishingly fast recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later.

Lauda remained closely involved with the F1 circuit after retiring as a driver in 1985. In recent years, he served as the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team.