HE MAY HAVE been a legend for his skills competing on four-wheels but Niki Lauda’s star and reputation transcended far beyond the reaches of Formula 1 and his passing away this week has subsequently prompted an outpouring of tributes across motor racing and beyond.
The Austrian passed away on Monday evening surrounded by his family.
F1 champion in 1975, 1977 and 1984, it was his comeback from life-threatening burns and injuries following an accident during the 1976 German Grand Prix that is often regarded as one of sport’s most heroic stories. Post-racing he’d prove an instrumental figure in Mercedes’ ongoing dominance in F1 having lured Lewis Hamilton from McLaren in 2013.
Moreover, the triple F1 world champion was known to be a big fan of motorcycle racing too and stars of two-wheels have been amongst those to pay homage to the Austrian.
RIP Niki Lauda, a true Icon and Motorsport legend. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/v6bOMZfsWc
— Casey Stoner (@Official_CS27) May 21, 2019
Admired, adored and respected throughout the motorsport community
MotoGP remembers the legendary Niki Lauda pic.twitter.com/4cK87gMs6Y
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) May 21, 2019
The thoughts of the Repsol Honda Team and HRC are with the friends and family of Niki Lauda. A man who achieved incredible things both on and off the track.#RIPNikiLauda
— Repsol Honda Team (@HRC_MotoGP) May 21, 2019
I will never forget when I met you and all your advice Niki. All my thoughts are with your family.
Nunca olvidaré cuando nos conocimos y todos tus consejos. Todo mi apoyo a los familiares y amigos. #RIPNikiLauda #legend pic.twitter.com/eexAudFlDl— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) May 21, 2019
Sad to hear this ! Niki Lauda was a fantastic man and he will be greatly missed… RIP Niki https://t.co/THujIXfbit
— Cal Crutchlow (@calcrutchlow) May 22, 2019
All at WorldSBK are saddened to learn that Niki Lauda has passed away
A three-time @F1 world champion who showed remarkable speed and courage throughout a legendary career
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire F1 community pic.twitter.com/LIetjk7yab
— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) May 21, 2019
