Three-time F1 world champion Niki Lauda's died at the age of 70, less than a year after having a lung transplant.
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) 21 May 2019
He'd also been undergoing kidney dialysis.
RIP Niki 😔 pic.twitter.com/atc0iQanAN
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) 21 May 2019
The Austrian driver was a legend of the sport after returning to race just six weeks after being badly burned in a crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix.
At the time, he played down his bravery:
