The F1 family pays a heartfelt tribute to Niki Lauda
The Formula 1 community paid tribute to Niki Lauda after the three-time world champion's passing on Monday at the age of 70.
Rememberings poured in from drivers, teams, and team managers, honouring the memory of one Grand Prix racing's greatest legends.
Lauda collected 15 wins with the Scuderia, winning the championship with the Italian squad in 1975 and 1977.
Everyone at Ferrari is deeply saddened at the news of the death of our dear friend Niki Lauda. He won two of his three world championships with us and will always be in our hearts and in those of all Ferrari fans. Our sincere condolences go to all his family and friends.#CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/mbzZBNZiRZ
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019
After a two-year break from the sport, the F1 legend returned to the race track in 1982 with McLaren, winning his final title with Ron Dennis' team in 1984.
Legend. Then, now and forever. #RIPNiki
https://t.co/UixsPMO2fP pic.twitter.com/HLlmT00hZf
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2019
While reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton had yet to react, Valtteri Bottas and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg posted their tributes on social media.
RIP Niki #legend pic.twitter.com/E2dM5emEYU
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) May 21, 2019
Dear Niki... pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) May 21, 2019
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said he was lucky to count Lauda among his friends.
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. pic.twitter.com/qZY7wcxf4l
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) May 21, 2019
They weren't even born when Lauda was writing F1 history, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz valued the great Austrian's heritage.
Very sad day.
Rest in peace Legend. pic.twitter.com/aN5w32MAe5— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) May 21, 2019
Very saddened to hear that Niki Lauda has passed away. One of the last proper heroes of our sport, a true gentleman, and a great human. RIP // Muy triste por el fallecimiento de Niki Lauda. Uno de los auténticos héroes de nuestro deporte, todo un señor y una gran persona. DEP pic.twitter.com/GZjI6yG5A8
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) May 21, 2019
Former F1 driver Mark Webber got to know Niki well during the Aussie's days with Jaguar.
#RIPNikiLauda
I’ll miss you mate.
@vladimirrys pic.twitter.com/Oy3xHAfyLB— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) May 21, 2019
Riccardo Patrese, a rival from the past, also paid tribute to the F1 legend's memory.
Sorry to hear the sad news about Niki. We raced together many years when I arrived in Formula One just one year after his famous Nurburgring accident. We had a few arguments during our careers but in the last period we went on in a very friendly mood.
Rest In Peace Niki. pic.twitter.com/SwOhYzIkNK— Riccardo Patrese (@PatreseOfficial) May 21, 2019
And FIA president Jean Todt also paid homage to Lauda.
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
Finally, F1 CEO Chase Carey remembered the man and his outstanding courage.
"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Niki Lauda," Carey said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Formula 1 has lost not only one of the truly great exponents of the sport but also one of its heroes.
"His love of racing and the courage he demonstrated were simply extraordinary and he inspired so many fans. His passing is a great loss for the entire Formula 1 family and motorsport as a whole. All our thoughts go to his family."
The post The F1 family pays a heartfelt tribute to Niki Lauda appeared first on F1i.com.