Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Formula One legend Niki Lauda.
The three-time world champion “passed away peacefully” on Monday at the age of 70 – nine months after undergoing a lung transplant.
The Austrian will be remembered for returning to racing just six weeks after being badly burned in a crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix. At the time, he played down his bravery.
He is also the only man to have won the drivers' title for both Ferrari and McLaren.
Rest in peace Niki Lauda.
Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalised in our history. The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend.
The thoughts of everyone at F1 are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/olmnjDaefo— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2019
Announcing the death in a statement to the Austrian Press Agency, his family said: “His unique successes as a sportsman and entrepreneur are and remain unforgettable.”
“His tireless drive, his straightforwardness and his courage remain an example and standard for us all.
“Away from the public gaze he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.
“We will miss him very much.”
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) May 21, 2019
Lauda won his first championship in 1975 and was on-course to retain the title the following year until his horrific crash at the German Grand Prix.
He suffered severe burns to head and face as well as lung damage from inhaling toxic gases after his Ferrari burst into flames.
The crash came shortly after he had called for a boycott of the race over safety concerns.
He missed just two races before making a remarkable comeback and narrowly missing out on the championship to long-time rival James Hunt.
Lauda won his second championship in 1977 and his third in 1984, before retiring in 1985.
Oggi è un giorno triste per la F1. La grande famiglia della Ferrari apprende con profonda tristezza la notizia della morte dell’amico Niki Lauda, tre volte campione del mondo, due con la Scuderia (1975-1977). Resterai per sempre nei cuori nostri e in quelli dei tifosi. #CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/srQUUeDqLw
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019
McLaren said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Lauda who won the 1984 F1 championship with the team.
And Ferrari, who celebrated winning the F1 drivers' championship in 1975 and 1977 with Lauda, said he would "remain forever in our hearts."
Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 champion and former McLaren driver, posted an image of Lauda with the caption: "RIP Niki."
Dear Niki... pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) May 21, 2019
Nico Rosberg, the 2016 F1 champion, posted a heartfelt tribute to Lauda, praising his "passion" and "fighting spirit."
He added: "Myself and all of your 100 million fans around the world whom you also so strongly inspired to never give up in the hardest of times are thinking of you and your family and wish that you rest in peace."
Away from Formula 1, two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner described Lauda as a "true icon and motorsport legend."
Mit Niki #Lauda verliert #Österreich eine seiner herausragendsten Persönlichkeiten. Die Rennstrecken waren seine Heimat und die Luftfahrt seine Liebe. Und wie kein anderer hat er sich mehrmals ins Leben zurück gekämpft. Er ist ein Vorbild für #Mut, #Disziplin und #Geradlinigkeit. pic.twitter.com/1RWwW3Vnpy
— Sebastian Kurz (@sebastiankurz) May 21, 2019
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Lauda was a "role model" who "fought his way back to life several times."
Lauda was also a noted entrepreneur – founding Lauda Air in 1979.
Lauda owned the company until 2000 – when it became part of Austrian Airlines, and it ceased to exist in 2013.
He went on to take over Amira Air in 2016 and rename it to LaudaMotion.
Aside from his airline businesses, Lauda took on several management roles within F1 following his retirement, including becoming the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team in September 2012.
