Race the sky in peace, immortal champ Lauda

THE passing of three-times Formula One champion Niki Lauda this week had a profound effect in the racing world. Here are some of the reactions of those that knew him:

◆ Jean Todt, FIA president

“Niki Lauda was a hero of motorsport, who inspired me in my youth. He is a milestone in the history of F1. All my thoughts go out to his family, friends and Mercedes-amg F1 team.”

◆ Chase Carey, F1 chairperson and chief executive

“F1 has lost not only one of the truly great exponents of the sport but also one of its heroes. His love of racing and the courage he demonstrated were simply extraordinary and he inspired so many fans.”

◆ Toto Wolff, team principal at Mercedes, where Lauda was chairperson

“Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends: he combined heroism, humanity and honesty inside and outside the cockpit.

◆ Ferrari F1 team, where Lauda won two world championships

“Today is a sad day for F1. The Ferrari family learns with deep sadness the news of the death of our friend Niki Lauda. You will remain forever in our hearts and in those of the fans.”

◆ Luca di Montezemolo, former Ferrari president

“Your passing leaves an enormous void inside me.”

◆ Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing F1 team principal

“Rest in peace to an F1 legend that I was lucky enough to call a friend. A very sad day for the entire motorsport community.”

◆ Mclaren F1 team, where Lauda won his final world championship

“All at Mclaren are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, colleague, Niki Lauda, has passed away.jhe will forever be in our hearts and enshrined in our history.”

◆ Lewis Hamilton, five-times F1 world champion

“I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together. It’s truly been an honour working alongside you over these past seven years.

◆ Jackie Stewart, three-times F1 world champion

“It’s very sad news. I’ve known Niki for a long time and he was just entering GP racing when I was retiring. We had a season together. He always had great integrity and was one the smoothest, best drivers I’ve seen.”

◆ Damon Hill, former F1 world champion “He was one of the few men who could sit down with Enzo Ferrari and Bernie Ecclestone, look them straight in the eye and they knew he meant business. He was a remarkable individual.”

◆ Jenson Button, former F1 champion

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

◆ Nico Rosberg, former F1 champion

“I learned so much from you. Your passion, your fighting spirit, to never give up, your belief that you always meet twice in life, and even your patience with us youngsters.

“Myself and 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; rest in peace.”

◆ Martin Brundle, former F1 driver

“A great human being, determined, relentless, talented, passionate, forthright, honest, humble and great company.

Living on borrowed time since his awful crash in 1976, he certainly made the absolute most of that gift. RIP Niki.”

◆ Actor Daniel Bruhl, who played Lauda in the film Rush

“Always honest, straight forward, blunt. Niki told you the truth in your face, no matter how uncomfortable. Race the sky in peace immortal champ, we’ll miss you.” | REUTERS