F1 fraternity pays its final respects to Lauda in Vienna

Members of the F1 fraternity converged to Vienna today to bid a final farewell to three-time world champion Niki Lauda who passed away at the age of 70 last week.

This morning, hundreds of fans mourning the loss of one of Grand Prix racing's most outstanding figures walked through St. Stephens Cathedral, pausing for a moment of solemn silence as they gazed at Lauda's red helmet placed on top of the casket.

This afternoon, a private Requiem mass was held for Lauda's family and friends, and his extended F1 family.

Lauda's wife Birgit entered the Cathedral alongside her children Mia and Max, Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff and five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and the great Austrian's sons, Lukas and Mathias.

Many illustrious F1 figures lined the entry of the memorial service, including Alain Prost, Lauda's last F1 team mate, Sir Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Jacques Laffite, Jean Alesi, Nelson Piquet and Gerhard Berger, F1 dignitaries Chase Carey and Ross Brawn as well as FIA president Jean Todt, Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner and Lauda's close friend Helmut Marko.

Austrian-born actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Daniel Brühl, the man who played Lauda in the Ron Howard-directed film 'Rush' were also in attendance at the private ceremony.

Niki Lauda will be buried at a private ceremony later today.

 

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