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London, May 21
Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, regarded as one of the finest racers of all time and who later became a successful airline entrepreneur, has died at 70 after battling declining health. Austrian Lauda, who was treated in hospital in January for about 10 days while suffering from influenza and had a lung transplant last August, died on Monday night, his family said in a statement.
“His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable,” the statement said. “His tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.”
Lauda won two world championships in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and a third in 1984 with McLaren.
He had a near-fatal crash in 1976 when racing at the Nuerburgring but despite suffering horrific burns, he was soon back in his Ferrari with a modified helmet and went on to claim his second world title. His rivalry with British driver James Hunt, the 1976 champion for McLaren, was intense and became the subject of the acclaimed 2013 film “Rush”. After two less successful years at rival outfit Brabham and then a two-year hiatus, Lauda returned to F1 for another four seasons at McLaren and won the 1984 title by a half-point over team mate Alain Prost.
While taking his first break after Brabham, Lauda set up a charter airline and returned to his aviation business full-time after bowing out of racing. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he grew ‘Lauda Air’ into an international carrier with long-haul flights out of Austria across the globe before it was merged into Austrian Airlines in 2012.
Lauda also returned to Formula One in management roles, first with Ferrari in the 1990s and later with Mercedes, where he was appointed non-executive chairman in 2012. He is credited for helping bring five-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton to the team from McLaren. — Reuters
Niki Lauda (1949-2019)
EARLY LIFE
Born in Vienna on February 22, 1949. Got into motor racing against his family’s wishes. Started his career as a Formula Two driver in 1971 with March Engineering
FORMULA ONE CAREER
Signed by Ferrari in 1974 and finished fourth. He won his first race at the Spanish Grand Prix
Won two championships with Ferrari over the next three years (1975 and 1977)
Had a near-fatal crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix after a failed race boycott over safety measures at the track. He suffered severe burns to his face and damaged his lungs while he was trapped in his car that had burst into flames
Made a remarkable comeback after missing two races but lost out on the 1976 title by one point — to arch rival James Hunt of McLaren — after retiring in the final race in Japan due to dangerous conditions
Won his third title, with McLaren, in 1984
The 1985 season was his last as a Formula One racing driver, retiring with 25 Grand Prix wins
Inducted into International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993
MANAGEMENT ROLES
Founded Austrian airline Lauda Air in 1979. Had a consulting role with Ferrari in 1993. Jaguar’s team principal between 2001 and 2002. Founded Niki, an Austrian low-cost airline, in 2003. Named Mercedes’ non-executive chairman prior to the 2013 season
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