Canberra (Web Desk): Three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda “passed away peacefully” on Monday at the age of 70, his family confirmed.
“Away from the public, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He will miss us very much, “says the email signed with the Lauda family.
Lauda, who underwent a double lung transplant in August, was one of the best-known figures in motor racing; he took the title for Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984.
However, his remarkable achievement was to make a comeback after being badly burned in a crash in the 1976 German Grand Prix; he suffered third-degree burns to his head and face and inhaled toxic gases in the accident.
Lauda was affected to the extent that he was given the last rites in hospital but made an almost miraculous recovery and returned to racing just 40 days later and finished fourth in the Italian Grand Prix.