‘A hero to many’

LONDON: Jenson Button has led the tributes after three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda died at the age of 70.

Tributes poured in for the Austrian, who was called a “legend” by British racing driver Jenson Button.

He tweeted: “A legend has left us. Rest in peace Niki.”

Lauda was also mourned by the McLaren Formula One team, who wrote: “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.”

Brazilian former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello also posted a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the pair of them, while Haas driver Romain Grosjean said “a legend has gone”.

Formula One also tweeted their heartfelt condolences, saying: “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.”

Ferrari, another of Lauda’s former teams, said: “Today is a sad day for F1. The great Ferrari family learns with deep sadness the news of the death of our friend Niki Lauda, three times world champion, two with the Scuderia (19751977).

“You will remain forever in our hearts and in those of the fans.”

The Austrian Embassy in the United States also paid tribute, tweeting that Lauda had been a “hero to many”.