Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda dies at 70

Niki Lauda, the legendary Formula 1 racer, has died aged 70.



Lauda, who is considered as one of the world's greatest Formula 1 drivers ever, died on Monday, May 20, 2019, his family confirmed. His death comes nine months after he underwent lung transplant surgery.



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."



Laude won the F1 drivers' championship in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and again in 1984 with McLaren.



Niki Laude is famous for crashing and catching fire at the German Grand Prix in 1976. He was badly burned in the crash, but he made a miraculous recovery an returned to racing only 6 weeks later.



His incredible comeback after the near-death experience made him the stuff of legend and his 1976 rivalry with British driver James Hunt was the plot line of the movie "Rush."