Austrian F1 champion Niki Lauda dies aged 70
Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70.
The former racing driver "passed away peacefully", his family said on Monday in a statement reported by the Austria Press Agency.
Tributes poured in for the Austrian, who was called a "legend" by British racing driver Jenson Button.
He tweeted: "A legend has left us. Rest in peace Niki."
A legend has left us. Rest in peace Niki 😔 #nikilaudahttps://t.co/YZPnlzpEl0
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 21, 2019
Lauda was also mourned by the McLaren Formula One team, who wrote: "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."
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. #RIPNikipic.twitter.com/Ndd9ZEfm6B
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2019
Lauda narrowly escaped death in 1976 when his Ferrari crashed at the Nurburgring in Germany.
He made a miraculous recovery despite horrific burns and finished second in the championship to James Hunt.
He went on to win two of his three titles as well as becoming a prominent figure in the aviation industry.
