Niki Lauda Dies Legend Ferrari McLaren F1 Driver Was 70

VIENNA, AUSTRIA. (THECOUNT) — Niki Lauda, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has passed away at the age of 70, according to family members.

Lauda, who is considered one of F1’s greatest drivers of all time, winning for both Ferrari and McLaren within two decades, died on Monday, nine months after undergoing surgery for a lung transplant.

Niki’s family released a statement after his death saying:

“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday.”

“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.”

Lauda placed first in the F1 drivers’ championship in 1975 and 1977 and again in 1984. He is perhaps best known for surviving a fiery crash in 1976 at the German Grand Prix.

Lauda was badly burned in the crash, but he made a miraculous recovery and returned to racing only 6 weeks later. Lauda’s incredibly comeback after dodging death instantly made him the stuff of legend .. and his 1976 rivalry with British driver James Hunt was the plot line of the movie “Rush,” reports TMZ.