Niki Lauda has passed away at the age of 70. An undeniable great of the sport, the three-time world champion will forever be remembered for arguably the greatest comeback in Formula 1, if not sporting, history.
His infamous, fiery crash at the Nürburgring in 1976 left him with third-degree burns to his head and face as well as severely damaged lungs from inhaling the toxic gases produced in the fire. He was given the last rites in hospital…before reportedly ‘telling the priest to f off’. Remarkably, he would return to racing just 40 days later for the Italian Grand Prix, his burns far from healed and bleeding once forced inside his crash helmet.
This epitomises an incredible, indestructible man.
He went on to narrowly lose that year’s championship to James Hunt – a story that inspired the 2013 film, Rush – before regaining his title, the following year. Lauda briefly retired in 1979 but returned with McLaren and won his third title in a one-on-one battle with the new superstar Alain Prost.
Outside racing, Lauda had a fascination with aviation, starting his own airline, Lauda Air. This led to another of his greatest triumphs, but one in very different circumstances.
On 26th May 1991, Lauda Air flight 004 crashed over the mountains of Thailand, breaking apart in mid-air and killing all 223 people on board. The investigation, spearheaded by Lauda, found critical problems with Boeing’s safety testing; specifically, that a thrust reverser had deployed in flight without being commanded, causing the aircraft to spiral out of control.
Lauda was angry with Boeing’s refusal to issue a statement, particularly with their reasoning that it would take ‘three months to adjust the wording’, and so told Boeing that he would be willing to fly on a 767 with two pilots and have the thrust reverser deploy in air.
Boeing told Lauda that it would not be possible to recover that situation and so he asked Boeing to issue a statement stating that was the case; that it would not be survivable. They did and, subsequently, additional safety measures were added to the aircraft.
He was a man willing to put his own life on the line for what was right. Those safety measures have likely saved many lives.
Lauda has left an indelible mark on Formula 1. Along with his talent and bravery in a car, he has been just as successful outside of it. After stints with Ferrari and Jaguar, he more recently has been a large part of the unprecedented Mercedes success and was instrumental in bringing Lewis Hamilton to the team.
The paddock will be a little less vibrant without that bright, red cap and the sparkling personality beneath it.
He will be sorely missed by all.
Rest In Peace, Niki.
James
A respecful and sesitive obituary. I like your new blog. Keep it up!
Robert
Thanks, Robert. I’m glad you’re enjoying it!