F1 | Niki Lauda has died, the Austrian champion was 70 years old

Formula 1 is mourning the death of Niki Lauda. The former Austrian driver and three-time world champion passed away after a sudden worsening of his health conditions, in fact he was hospitalized in Switzerland for kidney complications, after having undergone a lung transplant in recent months for a strong attack of influenza which had compromised its functioning.

“With deep sadness we announce that our beloved Niki passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday – we read in the note released by his loved ones. His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, as is his tireless enthusiasm for action, his outspokenness and his courage. A role model and point of reference for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, a father and grandfather away from the public, and we will miss him."

Always outspoken and sincere since he was a young driver, Niki won three Formula 1 world championships, two with Ferrari and one with McLaren. He won 25 races in the Circus, reaching the podium 54 times. In 1976 the tragic accident at the Nurburgring with the Maranello team made everyone fear the worst, but with stubbornness the Austrian returned to the track in Monza after 40 days, a tangible sign of his willpower. For some years he had been the non-executive chairman of Mercedes. Our editorial team rallies around the pain of his family and that of Formula 1 over Niki's passing.