I met Niki at the German Grand Prix in 2013 as a guest of MBZ. He was an engaging and friendly person to the civilians but was still no nonsense.
All of motor racing should mourn the great man. Not just a great driver but a great thinker, as well.
RIP Niki.
From the F1 website:
BREAKING - NIKI LAUDA HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY FOLLOWING HIS RECENT ILLNESS AGED 70
The world will forever be a different place without him in it and we sure will miss seeing him in the paddock and on our F1 screens. What a great man he was and an inspiration to all.
Niki had been battling health issues since mid-last year, including a lung transplant in August that required a two-month stay in hospital.
He was then hospitalised again for a short period at the beginning of 2019 after contracting a flu infection.
There have been reports from Austrian press in the recent days that he's been receiving kidney dialysis in Switzerland.
It has now been confirmed that he has succumbed to his ill health, passing away on Monday 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 issued to Austrian media.
"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, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed."
RIP Niki
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Several actors have played James Bond, Sean Connery IS James Bond...
Sir 7ewis, 7X FIA Formula One World Championship, World Driving Champion. 100 Wins. 101 Pole Positions. 54 Fastest Laps. Actual Rain Master. Leave me to it, Bono. One Race Win in each of his 15 years in F1. Most Laps Led in Formula One. The Centurion.
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