Niki Lauda: Formula One pays tribute to 'hero' as he dies aged 70
Tributes have flooded in for ‘legendary’ Austrian Formula One icon Niki Lauda, who has died aged 70.
Lauda, a three-time world champion, was labelled a ‘legend’ by British racer Jensen Button, after the Austria Press Agency reported his death overnight.
And racing greats past and present posted their messages of condolence on Tuesday.
FIA president Jean Todt tweeted: “Niki Lauda was a hero of motor sport, who inspired me in my youth.
“He is a milestone in the history of @F1.
“All my thoughts go out to his family, friends and @MercedesAMGF1 team. #NikiLauda #F1.”
‘A true great’
RIP Niki 😔 pic.twitter.com/atc0iQanAN
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 21, 2019
Niki Lauda was a hero of motor sport, who inspired me in my youth. He is a milestone in the history of @F1 . All my thoughts go out to his family, friends and @MercedesAMGF1 team.#NikiLauda #F1 pic.twitter.com/aAoIVwexZU
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) May 21, 2019
Renault also tweeted, calling the courageous F1 icon ‘a true great’.
The French manufacturer’s tweet read: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye today.
“Not many have embodied our sport like you, with such courage and passion. You are an inspiration, a true great, a legend.
“Thank you Niki. Rest in peace.”
‘Nothing short of unbelievable’
A true great of the sport both in and out of the car. RIP Niki.
The thoughts of everyone at Williams are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/PFRzFy27KE— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) May 21, 2019
When Tiger Woods won at Augusta last month, we all talked a lot about the best sporting comebacks. Well, Niki Lauda's return to the cockpit after his crash at the Nurburgring in 1976 was a feat of courage almost beyond belief. One of F1's great figures.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) May 21, 2019
RIP Niki Lauda. To have gone through what this man did and return to racing 6 weeks later, nothing short of unbelievable will to succeed. What a legacy you leave.... pic.twitter.com/ZkTvk0VoZC
— Chiz (@Chiz__88) May 21, 2019
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen added: “Shocked by the loss of Niki Lauda.
“He was a true legend in our sport and someone I had great respect for. May he rest in peace #RIPNiki.”
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) tweeted a photograph of himself and Lauda in happier times in the garage with the words: “RIP Niki 🙏🏼 #legend.”
‘A hero to many’
RIP Niki Lauda.
A true champion, on & off the track. pic.twitter.com/GCdymNIh32— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 21, 2019
#NikiLauda, legendary Austrian #F1 race car driver, has died at the age of 70. Hero to many! #RIP pic.twitter.com/4Tix9E1SiS
— Embassy of Austria (@AustriainUSA) May 21, 2019
