Tributes Paid to Niki Lauda

Tributes have been paid from across the sports car and wider motorsport worlds following the death of three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda at the age of 70.

The Austrian was best known for his successful years in Formula 1 with Ferrari and McLaren in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as his famous rivalry with James Hunt.

Lauda also won the inaugural BMW M1 Procar Championship, which pitted contemporary grand prix drivers against each other in identical sports car machinery.

He “passed away peacefully” on Monday, his family confirmed.

ACO president Pierre Fillon led the sports car tributes by highlighting Lauda’s fortitude and “fighting spirit”.

Lauda was left with severe burns after a crash during the 1976 German GP, but made a remarkable recovery that resulted in him clinching his second F1 title the following year.

“Motorsport involves machines, but it is about human endeavour more than anything,” said Fillon.

“Some drivers make their mark on their discipline, some achieve greatness beyond the sport itself. Niki was one such driver.

“His attention to detail and fighting spirit was matched by his outstanding talent and admirable personality. His record is witness to that.

“He was also a great ambassador for motorsport and the values we uphold. He was a guide, a leader.

“To his son Mathias, a gifted endurance driver, and to all his loved ones, I offer my deepest sympathy at this most difficult time.”

Senior personnel from marques including Audi, BMW and Porsche also paid tribute to Lauda, who served as non-executive chairman of the Mercedes F1 team in recent years.

Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass said that motorsport had lost “one of its prominent figures” while BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt described Lauda as “an inspiration to anyone who ever met him”.

Fritz Enzinger (Vice President Motorsport): “This sad news has shaken me. Niki Lauda was one of the greatest ever, a strong character. I remember how he congratulated us on our Le Mans victory in 2015. It was very emotional. Our sympathy goes out to his relatives and friends.” pic.twitter.com/AN5ZsroSYk

— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) May 21, 2019

Drivers from around the sports car racing world have also shared their condolences and stories of remembrance.

Lauda took part in numerous sports car competitions during his early career, including several races with a Porsche 908 shortly before his Formula 1 break.

He then signed for March to compete in Formula 2 in 1971 before gaining the attention of Ferrari which hired him at the start of the 1974 Formula 1 season.

Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Jenson Button were among the drivers to pay tribute on social media, while Ryan Eversley shared a story about how his father worked with Lauda during the BMW M1 Procar series.

Lauda won three races of the 1979 M1 Procar season, beating the likes of Nelson Piquet and Mario Andretti, before going on to clinch the championship.

Following his retirement from top-level motorsport in 1985, Lauda went on to establish successful business ventures and continued to hold a presence in the F1 paddock.

A few thoughts about Niki Lauda and what he means to our family. #BelieveInOrange #RIPNiki pic.twitter.com/18gdHtTXeG

— Ryan Eversley (@RyanEversley) May 21, 2019

Rest in peace Niki Lauda.

Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalised in our history. The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend.

The thoughts of everyone at F1 are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/olmnjDaefo

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2019