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Niki Lauda: Incidents at funeral service on the coffin caused horror - anniversary of death on May 20

2020-05-20T03:53:10.951Z


Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda is dead. He died on May 20, 2019 at the age of 70. Incidents occurred at a funeral service in Vienna at the time.


Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda is dead. He died on May 20, 2019 at the age of 70. Incidents occurred at a funeral service in Vienna at the time.

  • Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda died on May 20, 2019 at the age of 70.
  • Since his fire accident at the Nürburgring in 1976, the Austrian has had to deal with health problems time and again.
  • Due to late complications, he had already had two kidney transplants.
  • A lung transplant also followed in early August 2018.
  • On Wednesday, May 29, 2019, thousands of fans and numerous celebrities said goodbye to Niki Lauda at an official funeral service in Vienna.

Update of May 20, 2020 : Niki Lauda is dead. Exactly a year ago, this news shocked sports fans around the world. In this article you will find all information and reactions to the sad farewell to a Formula 1 legend.

9.30 p.m .:  "We are on the stretcher of a great Austrian," said Austria's President Van der Bellen in his funeral speech, according to the APA news agency. "Thank you for everything." Ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called Lauda a "legend, a one-off". In his speech, the Austrian Hollywood star Schwarzenegger praised Lauda's courage, willpower and love. Former racing driver Gerhard Berger said goodbye to his "friend Niki".

Renowned indie musician Jacob Thiele died at the age of 40.

Funeral service for Niki Lauda: Incidents on the coffin cause outrage - "disrespectful"

Update May 29, 2019, 3:32 p.m .: At the public funeral service for the late Niki Lauda, ​​several thousand people said goodbye to the Formula 1 legend in Vienna on Wednesday. In the morning they stood in long lines in front of St. Stephen's Cathedral despite the rain. But already during the public display, a number of visitors were echoed on the Internet. There is talk of impiety and lack of respect.

The reason: Apparently, many visitors used their visit not only to pay Niki Lauda their last respects, but also to take a souvenir selfie. This caused outrage among other visitors: “Everyone's cell phone in hand, photos with flash in the cathedral, selfies with the coffin. What a disrespect, ”wrote a user via Twitter. Another said: “Sad and stunned. The last spark of respect and decency, if ever there, is struck by 'I was there' selfies ”, while another summarizes:“ It is impious. It is not a final honor. "

Even the Austrian courier  noticed the love of photos of St. Stephen's Cathedral visitors to such an extent that the paper could be drawn to a comment. It says: “Hardly anyone could apparently resist the evils of our time and leave the cell phone in a bag. (...) It is simply inconceivable and shameful. ”This underlines the impression that the visitors on Twitter also give that the selfie perpetrators were obviously not just a few exceptions.

Funeral for Niki Lauda: Gabalier, Schwarzenegger and Kurz say goodbye - touching gesture on the coffin

Update from May 29, 2019, 1:35 p.m .:  Several thousand people said goodbye to Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda at a mourning ceremony in Vienna. Accompanied by a police motorcycle escort, Lauda's coffin arrived at St. Stephen's Cathedral in the morning, coffin bearers then took him to the cathedral, followed by the deceased's family. Despite the rain, thousands of people persevered in front of the church. The public display ended at 11.30 a.m., not all those waiting could say goodbye to Lauda due to the huge crowds.

On the coffin of father Niki Lauda: Touching gesture by son Lukas 

Lauda's son Lukas put his father's former racing helmet on the laid-up coffin. White and red floral arrangements in the colors of Austria surrounded the coffin, which mourners passed in a long line to say goodbye.

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Widow Birgit Lauda and sons Mathias and Lukas at the coffin of Niki Lauda.

© AFP / JOE KLAMAR

Many celebrities pay their respects to Niki Lauda

In addition to Lauda's family around widow Birgit, numerous celebrities from sports, culture, politics and business took part in the ceremony - including Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, colleague Nico Rosberg, Austria's head of state Alexander Van der Bellen, people's rock and roll Andreas Gabalier and ex-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

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Andreas Gabalier and Nico Rosberg at the funeral service for Niki Lauda.

© AFP / ROLAND SCHLAGER

The official funeral service for Lauda began shortly after 1 p.m., the requiem was also public. According to heute.at , music producer Christian Kolonovits played songs such as "Amazing Grace", "Fast Car" (Tracy Chapman) or "Imagine" (John Lennon) with an ensemble.

Austrian President Van der Bellen, Hollywood star and ex-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former racing driver Gerhard Berger had announced themselves as speakers. Lauda's ex-teammate Alain Prost was supposed to hold the reading. A total of around 300 guests of honor from home and abroad were expected.

After the funeral service, Lauda's coffin was to be carried over the giant gate from the cathedral, and the burial would then take place in the closest family circle. Time and place are not known.

Schwarzenegger delivers funeral speech for Niki Lauda

Update from May 28, 2019, 8:40 p.m .: On Wednesday, the funeral service for the late Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda will take place in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. A real Hollywood star has now announced itself and not only that: Arnold Schwarzenegger will give a funeral speech on Niki Lauda. That reports today.at .

Niki Lauda fans can also give the racing driver a final honor. From eight to twelve o'clock it is laid out for the public in St. Stephen's Cathedral in a closed coffin. The funeral mass begins at 1 p.m.

In addition to the governor, the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and ex-racing driver Gerhard Berger will also be the funeral speakers, according to today.at . Alain Prost will also speak the reading. A total of 300 prominent guests are expected at the funeral service. These include Lewis Hamilton.

Unusual quote on the cause of death of Niki Lauda - Hamilton very emotional

Update from May 25, 2019, 4:52 p.m .: The first racing weekend since the death of Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda has now begun. 

Mercedes grabbed the double pole on the prestigious circuit in Monte Carlo. Lewis Hamilton starts from number 1 on Sunday, Valtteri Bottas from number 2. 

The reigning world champion then found wonderful words for the late Lauda. He played a very special role in his life.

"Niki changed my life. Without him I would be just world champion today and not five-time champion, ”said Hamilton after qualifying on Saturday.

An emotional Lewis Hamilton reacts to a tough week and starting on pole position for tomorrow's Monaco Grand Prix

More: https://t.co/fDikttqKwc pic.twitter.com/wtkMuwil2O

- Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 25, 2019

Niki Lauda is dead: that's why Chancellor Kurz doesn't come to his funeral service

Update from May 25, 2019, 3:19 p.m .: Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen will make a short speech at the mourning ceremony for the late Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. That confirmed Van der Bellens spokesman on Saturday of the APA news agency . Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, on the other hand, could not take part in the requiem on Wednesday for scheduling reasons.

According to APA information, there will be two speeches at the current status. In addition to Van der Bellen, a companion from Formula 1 should say a few words to those present. Lauda will be laid out in a closed coffin on Monday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. Afterwards, the public requiem for the ex-racing driver and aviation entrepreneur revered in Austria as "Niki Nazionale" takes place. The burial, however, takes place in the closest family.

Niki Lauda is dead: Formula 1 announces minute of silence - curious detail for burial

Update from May 24, 2019, 6:17 p.m .:  Formula 1 pays tribute to three-time world champion Niki Lauda, ​​who died on Monday at the age of 70, before the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday (3.10 p.m. / RTL and Sky) with a minute's silence. In addition to the 20 drivers and dignitaries, Lauda's contemporaries should also take part in the silent act, which is scheduled for 2:53 p.m. in the minutes.

Lauda, ​​who will be buried next Wednesday in Vienna, is to be buried in racing overalls , according to nachrichten.at . On Wednesday morning, Lauda is laid out in St. Stephen's Cathedral so that the population can say goodbye to him. 300 guests are invited to a requiem at 1 p.m., the subsequent burial is to take place in the family circle.

At the Monaco Grand Prix, the Mercedes team honored its long-time team supervisory board chief, Lauda, ​​with a halo completely dipped in red on both racing cars - based on Lauda's trademark, the red cap. The cockpit protection of the Mercedes racing car is usually silver-colored.

All team members have had a black ribbon on their left arms since Thursday. In addition, the lettering "Thank you Niki" adorns the noses of the two silver arrows in Monte Carlo, above which you can see an autograph of Lauda in red letters. Furthermore, one of the usually silver stars on the engine cover shines in red.

Niki Lauda: Fans can say goodbye in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna

Update from May 24, 2019, 6:58 a.m .: The late Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda will be held in public in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral next Wednesday (May 29, 2019). This was announced by a spokesman for the Lauda family. Mourners have the opportunity to say goodbye to the Austrian from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a requiem (1 p.m.) in his honor. The celebration is also open to the public.

The funeral of the triple F1 world champion and airline founder will then take place in the closest family circle. According to the free newspaper, the Lauda family did not accept the offer of the City of Vienna for a grave of honor in the Vienna Central Cemetery today .

Niki Lauda: Sebastian Vettel honors him with a special helmet design

Update from May 23, 2019, 12.53 p.m .: Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel wears a special helmet during the free practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix. The 31-year-old had a red helmet in the Lauda design made on short notice, on which the name of the three-time champion can be read in white letters.

His racing team, the Scuderia Ferrari, also honors the late motorsport icon. The Italians decorated their bolides on the side boxes with thin black bars and the lettering "Niki Lauda" in the playful font that the Austrian used in active Ferrrai times (1974 to 1977).

Thanks Niki pic.twitter.com/9qViLXUvfG

- Jens Munser Designs (@JMD_helmets) May 23, 2019

Instead, the Mercedes team placed the word "Thank you Niki" on the noses of the two silver arrows. Above it is an autograph of Lauda in red letters. Furthermore, one of the usually silver stars on the engine cover shines in red - in memory of Lauda's trademark, the red cap.

Niki Lauda: Mercedes team boss talks about the death of the Formula 1 legend

Update from May 23, 2019, 12:28 p.m .: Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, like the entire racing team, is deeply saddened after the death of Niki Lauda. Lauda, ​​who as the head of the Silver Arrows supervisory board had made a significant contribution to the great successes since 2012, was "the epitome of this team" and "our protective shield, our steam generator", says the 47-year-old. “Bringing Lewis Hamilton to the team was his credit. It was a milestone. "

Wolff spoke for the first time on Thursday at the Formula 1 racetrack in Monaco about Lauda's sudden death. On Wednesday, like Mercedes driver Hamilton, he canceled all media events. “The past 48 hours have been terrible. I feel like a zombie, ”said Wolff in the Mercedes motorhome. "I look at the pictures and have tears in my eyes every half hour."

The Austrian had found out about the death of his "sparring partner", as he called him on Thursday, through his second wife Birgit by text message.

Niki Lauda is dead: Formula 1 legend probably leaves a great fortune

Update of May 23, 2019, 9:45 a.m .: Niki Lauda is dead, Formula 1 has lost one of its greatest. The Austrian left his five children out of two marriages: Mathias, Lukas, Christoph, Mia and Max. According to Focus, they are now likely to be the heirs of the great fortune of Lauda.

During his active career as a racing driver and his subsequent career as a successful entrepreneur, TV expert and Mercedes supervisory board chairman, Lauda earned a lot of money. As the picture reports, he is said to have had assets of 250 million euros at the time of his death .

According to the report, this came together as follows: According to this, Lauda received around one million euros a year for his expert job at the TV station RTL. The three-time Formula 1 world champion was in front of the camera from 1996 to 2017. His trademark: the red cap, which always had a sponsor logo on it. There were apparently around 1.5 million euros a year for this.

In addition, he joined Mercedes on the Supervisory Board in 2012, which is said to have earned him an estimated 750,000 euros annually. But even during his time as an active Formula 1 driver, Lauda earned well: In 1974 he still had the equivalent of 220,000 euros at Ferrari, after his first world title in 1975 he received 700,000 euros in the following season. In 1978 he moved to Brabham. The British apparently paid him 1.8 million euros.

After the 1979 season, Lauda initially withdrew from the premier class of motorsport, but made his comeback in 1982. According to the picture , McLaren paid him 2.6 million euros a year at the time.

Video: Niki Lauda: The wealth of the Formula 1 legend is so big

Niki Lauda is dead: Lewis Hamilton mourns and cancels media events

Update from May 22, 2019, 5.15 p.m .: The sudden death of Niki Lauda apparently affects Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton hard. The reigning Formula 1 champion canceled his media appointments on Wednesday. Instead of Hamilton as originally envisaged, teammate Valtteri Bottas answered the questions at the official press conference.

A spokesman for the German racing team said that Hamilton had been allowed to stay away from the PK after Lauda's death, and asked for understanding: "Lewis has lost a very close friend."

"I saw Lewis today, he seems okay so far. Our press team asked me to go to the PK instead, ”said Valtteri Bottas.

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Niki Lauda and Lewis Hamilton.

© dpa / Valdrin Xhemaj

According to a report by the Bild newspaper, Hamilton and Lauda compatriot Toto Wolff (Mercedes team boss) had been on the phone for an hour the night after Lauda's death on Monday to deal with the mourning for the 70-year-old Austrian. Lauda was always a massive motivation for everyone in the Mercedes team, Bottas emphasized on Wednesday. He spoke of a shocking news at the beginning of the week.

Niki Lauda: That's how Formula 1 wants to pay tribute to him

Update of May 22, 2019 16:55: The Formula 1 pays tribute to the deceased on Monday evening three-time world champion Niki Lauda at the Grand Prix of Monaco with visible signs of mourning.

The Mercedes team members will wear black ribbon from Thursday, this was confirmed by a spokesman for the world championship racing team on Wednesday. In addition, the deceased is commemorated with a message on the two silver arrows in a manner not yet defined. The lettering "Thank you Niki" could already be read on the Toro Rosso racing cars on Wednesday, and the portrait of Laudas before his serious fire accident in 1976 was emblazoned in black and white.

Lauda's former Ferrari and McLaren racing teams also want to express their grief at the sixth Grand Prix of the year in the Principality. Whether the FIA ​​or Formula 1 management will decide whether there will be a minute's silence before the race.

Niki Lauda is dead: doctor "not surprised" - details about his health in recent months

Update from May 22, 2019, 9.30 a.m .: Not only the Cologne-based private broadcaster RTL, for which Niki Lauda worked for many years as a Formula 1 expert, broadcast a special program on Tuesday evening. The Austrian free TV broadcaster ORF also honored the racing legend who died in Vienna. One of the guests: Dr. Lauda's doctor Walter Klepetko. On the show, he revealed: "The death of Niki Lauda did not surprise us. All of our efforts and his efforts have not been successful. ”

Dr. Klepetko continues: “It has become apparent since the beginning of the year. The Christmas holiday in Ibiza was very good for him, and his mobility had also improved. Then there was a flu infection, which set him back a lot. Whenever we thought we had made it, we were thrown back. "

In an interview with ORF presenter Ernst Hausleitner, the 64-year-old said that there had been "clear steps backwards" in the past few weeks. "Then there was nothing more we could do to make it positive," said Klepetko.

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Dr. Until the end, Walter Klepetko was Niki Lauda's doctor.

© dpa / Georg Hochmuth

Already on Tuesday morning (see update at 11.05 a.m.) he had commented on the question of Niki Lauda's cause of death as follows: “There is no cause of death. It was a long process, at the end of which the patient went. "

Niki Lauda is dead: RTL changes evening program

Update of May 21, 2019, 10 p.m .: Niki Lauda is dead. The Formula 1 legend died on Monday at the age of 70. Grief is great in the sports world, many stars have already sent emotional farewell words to Lauda. So also Formula 1 icon Bernie Ecclestone.

At RTL's big themed evening, he said: “Niki was a very, very special person. Not just incredibly loyal, also a great friend. I will miss him. I feel sorry for those who were never allowed to get to know him. He was unique. " 

On RTL there was a themed evening on Niki Lauda on Tuesday evening - the most important moments in summary:

Niki Lauda: Emotional moments on RTL

Update 9:57 pm: The documentary is over, it goes back to the studio. Rosberg, Schumacher and König remember other defining moments - including when Lauda pulled off his famous red cap after Rosberg's victory in Monaco. It continues with Rush - the film was released in 2013, Daniel Brühl played Niki Lauda. 

Update 9:47 p.m .: Lauda needs a donor kidney in 1997 - his brother Florian saved him. Eight years later he needs help again. His new partner Birgit donates a kidney to him. 2008 is married, a year later the twins Max and Mia are born.

Update 9.43 p.m .: Lauda finally announces the end of his career and then returns again. He becomes world champion for the third time, divorces Marlene and builds an airline. After all, flying is also a big hobby of his. The fatal thing: in 1991 one of his planes crashed. 223 people died, Lauda was shocked and wanted to find out the cause of the crash.

Update 9:39 p.m .: The season finale rose in Japan, started in the most adverse conditions. But Lauda couldn't - the fear of another accident was too great. "It was clear to me from my stress - I am not going to take part in it," says Lauda in the 2014 documentary. Hunt became world champion, and there was nothing Lauda could do.

Lauda and his lifesaver Merzario: First he had forgotten the "thank you"

Update 9:33 p.m .: Of all people in the Ferrari home of Monza, Lauda then sat back in the cockpit. Despite great doubts - by experts and himself - he finished fourth. Only one thing, Lauda recalls, didn't go well with his comeback: he forgot to thank Arturo Merzario, the lifesaver - he pulled him out of the burning car at the Nürburgring.  

Update 9:23 pm: Lauda had to struggle with the consequences of his bad accident in 1976. He had massive lung problems and resisted death. He remained the winner and finally returned to the race track. An incredible comeback.

Update at 9:11 p.m .: Formula 1 was one thing above all in the 1970s - dangerous. Lauda also felt this, as is shown in the documentary. On August 1, 1976, there was a horror accident at the Nürburgring, in which Lauda was seriously injured. 

Update 20:57: A documentary is shown: "Niki Lauda - my life at the limit". The sons Lukas and Mathias have their say, as well as actor Daniel Brühl, who played Lauda in the cinema. And of course Lauda herself - pictures from his childhood are shown. Lauda's steep Formula 1 climb is also an issue. In addition: his beginnings, his switch to Ferrari, the legendary rivalry with James Hunt and his wife Marlene. 

Bernie Ecclestone talks about Niki Lauda

Update 8:45 pm:  Formula 1 icon Bernie Ecclestone also said in a video message: “Niki was a very, very special person. Not just incredibly loyal, also a great friend. I will miss him. I feel sorry for those who were never allowed to get to know him. He was unique. "

Update 20:34:  Moderator Florian König was in front of the camera with Lauda for a long time, he has guest Ralf Schumacher and by transmission Nico Rosberg . Both ex-drivers have had many moments together with Lauda. 

Rosberg, Schumacher and König remember Niki Lauda

Rosberg says - also with a view of Lauda's two sons: "I knew him for a very long time and have many memories. I am also thinking of Lukas and Mathias. I know that you also fought a lot. ”Schumacher knows how much humor Lauda had and he ticked. "He would probably say to all of this here: Guys, next week is the next race. You better concentrate on that. "

Update 8.10 p.m .: The Formula 1 world says  goodbye to Niki Lauda. Of course, the focus is on the many memories, his type of fighter and spending time with Niki. Numerous statements by active and former drivers were made. 

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

World champion Lewis Hamilton reported on Twitter: "I can hardly believe that you are no longer there. I will miss our talks, the laughing together, the hugs after races won, tweeted the Mercedes driver on Tuesday evening: "Thank you for being such a shining light in my life. I will always be there for your family when they need me. I love you."

Update 3:00 p.m .: The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is scheduled for the weekend. According to picture information, the late Niki Lauda is thought about the race. Accordingly, there will be changes for the supporting program on Sunday - but details would still be discussed according to image reporter Lennart Wermke.

Arrived in Monaco. Construction continues, of course, as normal, but the supporting program for the race on Sunday will be changed. Details are currently being coordinated. #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/crO4QGJxGt

- Lennart Wermke (@lennartwermke) May 21, 2019

Niki Lauda dead: Nico Rosberg writes open letter to F1 legend

Update 2.45 p.m .: In an open letter Nico Rosberg in the stern commemorates the late Niki Lauda. In it he writes: “His life path impressed many, including me. If there is someone who has never given up, it is Niki. What setbacks he took. How he fought his way out of there. And, finally, how he was at the top again. "

Now he wanted to “remember especially the wonderful moments with Niki. At the same time, of course, I also think of his family. Especially to his two young children. I feel cold up my back. That is probably the most moving thing for me at the moment. I think a lot about her. ”Lauda“ shaped an entire era of the Mercedes Silver Arrows and played a key role in the team's dominance today ”.

Rosberg also emphasizes: “Niki had the strength that the door was always open for him and that all doors were always open for him. He didn't leave burned earth. (...) I learned a lot from him. "

Update 1:49 p.m .:  RTL as a Formula 1 broadcaster mourns Niki Lauda and dedicates an entire themed evening from 8:15 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday. In the special show “Servus, Niki! Farewell to a legend, moderator Florian König initially welcomes guests such as Ralf Schumacher, as RTL announced on Tuesday afternoon. The documentation “Niki Lauda: my life at the limit” is to follow at 8.45 pm. 

RTL will then show the feature film "Rush - Everything for Victory" with Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda and Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt from 9:55 p.m. After a short talk, the "RTL night journal" follows. The programs "Night Sisters", "Sankt Maik" and "Schmidt - Chaos by Prescription" are canceled this Tuesday.

Niki Lauda dead: family friend talks about his last days

Update 11:28: The picture quotes Wolfgang Fellner, editor of the newspaper "Austria" and close friend of Niki Lauda. The 64-year-old said about the late Formula 1 legend: "I had the information from doctors ten days ago that it was bad for him."

Fellner continued: “Almost two months ago, he was relocated to Lucerne. He should be made fit there. ”However, the relapse then occurred. "He was transferred to the university clinic in Zurich ten days ago," continued the family friend: "It was back to dialysis, and in some cases to the ventilator. Since then he had to fight for survival. "

Update 11:12:  Niki Lauda "has fallen asleep peacefully with his closest family in the university clinic in Zurich". The Lauda family said in another statement, as the Austrian news agency APA reported. “We have been by his side every minute for the past ten months. We laughed, cried, hoped and suffered with him, but in the end Niki finally left his strength yesterday, “it continues. The message was drawn by Lauda's wife Birgit, his ex-wife Marlene and his children Lukas, Matthias, Max and Mia. The University Clinic Zurich did not provide any information due to data protection reasons.

Niki Lauda dead: doctor speaks of a long process if the cause of death

Update 11:05:  Niki Lauda's death came as no surprise, according to his doctor. "Niki Lauda fought. He was a great man. But it has been clear for some time that we can no longer bring him back to the 'racetrack', "said medical doctor Walter Klepetko from the Vienna General Hospital (AKH) of the Austrian news agency APA. He makes an unusual statement about the cause of death - namely that there is no concrete one. "There is no cause of death. It was a long process, at the end of which the patient went. "

Update 10:48: Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff says  goodbye to Niki Lauda with emotional words. "Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport. He embodied heroism, humanity and sincerity on and off the track," said the Austrian about his late compatriot: "He leaves a deep gap in Formula 1."

With Lauda, ​​the sport "not only lost a hero who made the most impressive comeback of all time, but also someone who brought valuable clarity and openness to modern Formula 1," emphasized Wolff: "We will be the voice of the Very much miss reason. "

The 47-year-old also added: “It was a privilege to have him on our team and it was moving to see how much it meant to be part of the team's success. Whenever he went through the works in Brackley or Brixworth or gave one of his famous motivational speeches, he exuded energy like no one else. Niki, you are simply irreplaceable, there will never be someone like you again. It was an honor to call you our Chairman - and my privilege to have you as a friend. "

Niki Lauda dead: airline Laudamotion mourns

Update 10.30 a.m . The airline Laudamotion mourns the loss of its namesake Niki Lauda. "Niki Lauda was a great inspiration and a unique visionary for the entire airline industry," said Laudamotion. "We will do everything we can to continue his visions and proudly carry the Lauda name out into the world," said Managing Director Andreas Gruber. The entire Laudamotion family is proud and grateful for “their forward-looking founder and exceptional mentor. Niki, we miss you! “.

Niki Lauda: Exact cause of death still unclear

Update 10.05 a.m .: The exact cause of death for Niki Lauda is so far unclear. However, there is a suspicion that his death may be related to reported problems with the donor kidney. "Cause donor kidney?" Speculates about waz.de. Lauda had two donor kidneys, according to media reports - including the picture  - that he was transferred to a private clinic in early May to undergo dialysis.

Update 9.45 a.m . : Walter Klepetko, who operated on Lauda during his lung transplant in early August 2018, also said: "Niki Lauda has died. I have to confirm that," he told APA on Tuesday.

Niki Lauda is dead: Formula 1 legend apparently had new health problems

Our message from May 21st with the first information:

Vienna - deep mourning for Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda. "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Niki slept peacefully with his family on Monday, May 20, 2019," quoted the Austrian news agency APA from a message from the family of the racing driver and entrepreneur.

"His unique successes as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable. His tireless drive, straightforwardness and courage remain a model and benchmark for all of us," the family's email continues.

Niki Lauda died on Monday - Rosberg thanks for passion and more

Daimler AG, for which Lauda was most recently the team supervisory board, was “deeply sad” on Twitter and thanked him for “immense input for motorsport and the Mercedes F1 team” in particular.

We are deeply saddened about the passing of Niki Lauda. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Lauda Family.

We will be forever grateful for Niki's immeasurable impact on both Motorsports and @ MercedesAMGF1. #NikiLauda pic.twitter.com/jLH1hqinyQ

- Daimler AG (@Daimler) May 21, 2019

Long-time Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg thanked for "your passion, your fighting spirit, never giving up, your belief that you always see each other twice, and your patience with us youngsters". The 2016 world champion further wrote: "I and your 100 million fans around the world, who have inspired you so much, never give up, think of you and your family and wish you to rest in peace."

Dear Niki ... pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM

- Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) May 21, 2019

Lauda's McLaren racing team for years condensed emotionally. "Niki will always be in our hearts and anchored in our history," it said on Twitter, with the hashtag #RIPNiki

All at McLaren are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, colleague and 1984 Formula 1 World Champion, Niki Lauda, ​​has passed away. Niki will forever be in our hearts and enshrined in our history. #RIPNiki pic.twitter.com/Ndd9ZEfm6B

- McLaren (@ McLarenF1) May 21, 2019

Niki Lauda is dead: fans say goodbye

Mourning fans of the racing icon are writing one last message on social media. “We have an Austrian legend. Rest in peace #niki #Lauda ”, it says there, or:“ Oh no. : '(#Niki #Lauda was the best. A role model in terms of stamina, modesty, straightforwardness. I have missed the last few months & the missing information about him was really not a good sign. After C. Whiting the next difficult one Loss in motorsport. "

RIP #Niki. Your honest and direct manner has not only enriched motorsport. You will miss the sports world. #lauda # formula1

- Explore the world (@ErkundeDieWelt) May 21, 2019

Rest in peace and good trip Niki Lauda.
Heaven not only has a Formula 1 legend, but also an admirable personality and a real all-rounder. # RIPNikiLauda #RipNiki #niki #lauda

- Lars Schilsong | #NurObenIstPlatz (@lsFDL) May 21, 2019

Another user tweets: "Rest in peace and a good trip Niki Lauda. Heaven not only has a Formula 1 legend, but also an admirable personality and a real all-rounder. ”

Niki Lauda dead - the Formula 1 legend was so optimistic

On the occasion of his 70th birthday on February 22, Lauda thanked ORF in a short audio message for the congratulations with the words: "I will be back and there is a lot going on." Unfortunately, this should not happen anymore.

Lauda had had a lung transplant in August last year and was in hospital until October, even in an artificial coma for several days. In January he had to go to the hospital again because of the flu. After the transplant, the Austrian's immune system was so badly affected that the flu was classified as a risk.

Niki Lauda apparently went back to hospital with problems

Since March, Lauda has been on schedule for rehab in the Cereneo clinic near Lucerne. However, according to Austrian media, he had to be transferred to a Swiss private clinic about three weeks ago because one of his kidney kidneys was said to have caused problems. The lengthy health problems had repeatedly prevented him from returning to the race track.

The lung of the three-time Formula 1 world champion was already damaged by his serious accident at the Nürburgring in 1976. At that time, Lauda's racing car had caught fire. The Austrian racing driver sat in the flames for almost a minute and inhaled toxic fumes before being saved by fellow drivers.

Niki Lauda: wife and brother donated kidney

Lauda suffered from the long-term consequences of the bad accident and had to undergo a kidney transplant twice. First his younger brother Florian donated a kidney, then in 2005 his partner Birgit at the time - even though they had only been a couple for a year.

“The most emotional moment for me was when Birgit was pushed out of the room for the operation. I looked into her eyes, and at the moment I knew I would marry this woman, "said Niki Lauda in 2012 remembered in the image .

Niki Lauda is dead: Serious accident at the Nürburgring was formative

Since the accident, Lauda has suffered from various health problems. So he had to undergo two kidney transplants in 1997 and 2005.

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Former Austrian Formula One driver Niki Lauda (r) and former British Formula One driver James Hunt watch the rain before the start of the Japanese Grand Prix. The three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda is dead. The Austrian died on Monday at the age of 70.

© dpa / Nuck Ut

The sports idol told the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport after the lung transplant that the procedure was worse for him than the accident at the Nürburgring in 1976. In Germany he suffered severe burn wounds at the time, but he was only a month or a little longer Been hospital. "It was really long this time. But I'm still here," Lauda told the paper. He was not worried about his life because he was in the hands of experts. He tells the Swiss newspaper Blick that he was briefly dead, but rose again.

Niki Lauda became an entrepreneur

In 1968, Lauda contested his first race with a Mini Cooper, which he received from his grandfather. He won the world championship title in the motorsport premier class in 1975, 1977 and 1984. In 1979 he got out of the racing circuit and founded the airline Lauda Air. But in 1982 he returned to the wheel and became world champion again with McLaren two years later . In 2002, he sold his airline profitably to Austria Airlines. But that was not the end of the flight enthusiastic entrepreneur: in 2004 he founded the low-cost airline Niki, which went to Air Berlin in 2011.

Andreas Nikolaus Lauda, ​​called Niki, was born on February 22, 1949. Grandfather and father were wealthy industrialists. Against the resistance of his parents, Lauda turned his passion into a profession and became a Formula 1 driver. In 1971 he started in Formula 1 for the first time. Lauda has four children from two marriages.

"Away from the public eye, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him very much," the family emailed the media.

Formula 1 world champion Jody Scheckter mourns the loss of his daughter

Source: merkur

All sports articles on 2020-05-20

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