Niki Lauda, legendary three-time Formula One world champion and entrepreneur, dies aged 70
• Austrian won three F1 world titles between 1975 and 1984
• Driver suffered horrific injuries at German GP in 1976
• The former world champion’s life – in pictures
The former Formula One driver and three-time world champion Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family has said. The Austrian died overnight on Monday, eight months after receiving a lung transplant.
“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” the family said in a statement, according to the Austrian press agency. The statement paid tribute to “his unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur” and 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.”