The F1 world was cast into mourning on the morning of 20 May 2019 when it was announced that 3-time world champion and F1 Legend Niki Lauda had passed on aged 70.
Lauda, who won three world drivers titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984 passed away in his sleep surrounded by family.
“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” his family said in a statement.
“His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us.”
F1 has lost a true hero of the sport and the void left behind will be irreplaceable.
All throughout the day, tributes poured in from all around the world. Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff was quoted as saying that Mercedes has lost a guiding light in the team.
“Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport – he combined heroism, humanity and honesty inside and outside the cockpit,” said Wolff
“His passing leaves a void in Formula One. We haven’t just lost a hero who staged the most remarkable comeback ever seen, but also a man who brought precious clarity and candour to modern Formula One. He will be greatly missed as our voice of common sense.
“Our Mercedes team has also lost a guiding light. As a team-mate over the past six and a half years, Niki was always brutally honest – and utterly loyal. It was a privilege to count him among our team and moving to witness just how much it meant to him to be part of the team’s success. Whenever he walked the floor in Brackley and Brixworth, or delivered one of his famous motivational speeches, he brought an energy that nobody else could replicate.
“Niki, you are quite simple irreplaceable, there will never be another like you.
“It was our honour to call you our Chairman – and my privilege to call you my friend.”
With deep sorrow and sincere respect, @MercedesBenz bids farewell to one of the greats: Niki Lauda.
He will always be remembered as a three-time @F1 champion, passionate entrepreneur, the Chairman of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and above all: as a wonderful human being. pic.twitter.com/XQeBqWVih6
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 21, 2019
F1 Teams down the grid sent in their tributes. Ferrari, with who Lauda wont two world titles, remembered Lauda with a touching video.
#CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/qpmfJEC5hg
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019
Mercedes
❤ Niki, 1949 – 2019 pic.twitter.com/tMPi7s2ODE
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 21, 2019
Drivers also remember Niki in their own ways
I’m struggling to believe you are gone. I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together. God rest your soul. Thank you for being a bright light in my life. I’ll always be here for your family should they ever need me. Love you man pic.twitter.com/cotUpuvW2F
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 21, 2019
Dear Niki… pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) May 21, 2019
