Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda Passes Away at 70

• Niki Lauda won Formula 1 trophy three times.
• He started his career as a racer in 1971.
• Besides being a racer, he was a licensed pilot and set-up Lauda airlines in 1979.
• He finally retired from motor racing in 1985.
• Lauda took up several management roles after retiring.

Formula 1 legend, Niki Lauda has passed away at the age of 70. Revered by motoring enthusiasts, he won the world championship three times. His health started declining post his lung transplant in August last year and was hospitalized earlier this year in January due to influenza.  A statement was released by his family in an Austrian publication, announcing his sad demise. Known for his athletic achievements, Lauda was also an entrepreneur who will be remembered by family, friends and fans across the world.

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Niki Lauda started his racing career in 1971 and was known for his calculative ability while on the track. He first lifted the champion trophy in 1975 while representing Ferrari. Later that year he survived a fatal crash while defending his title against rival James Hunt, a dear friend, at the Nurburgring , though he was badly burnt in the fiery crash.

Even though his injuries hadn’t healed properly, he was back on the track within six weeks after the crash at the Italian Grand Prix. Lauda lost to Hunt in the 1976 Formula 1 season, however he redeemed himself the following year by winning the trophy again. The Austrian later joined Bernie Ecclestone-owned Brabham team in 1978; but soon left the sport due to boredom during practice session for the 1979 Canadian Grand Prix. Destiny had other plans for him as he returned to the sport in 1982 with McLauren and came out triumphant in 1984 before finally bidding adieu to the sport in 1985.

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Besides being a Formula 1 racer, Lauda was a licensed pilot and set-up his airlines, Lauda Air in 1979, while he took a break from motor racing. His association with motor racing continued even after retirement as he took up management roles at Ferrari and later Jaguar before joining Mercedes.