BREAKING NEWS: Niki Lauda has passed away aged 70

Lauda, who won three titles in 1975, 1977 and in 1984, has received two kidney transplants already in 1997 and 2005. 

Last summer, the then 69-year-old collapsed during his holiday in Ibiza, needing an immediate double lung transplant. He was checked back in the hospital in January with the flu, which was threatening because of his fragile immune system.

BREAKING! Niki Lauda ist tot! Der legendäre Formel-1-Weltmeister wurde 70 Jahre alt

— Thomas Mayer (@TomMayerEuropa) May 21, 2019

Thomas Meyer of Austrian news source Der Standard first reported the news, which was later confirmed by the Austrian Press Agency.

Up until his collapse in August, Lauda was an advisor at the enormously successful Mercedes team, where he spent most of his time assisting and counselling team principal Toto Wolff. He was one of the most respected and well-liked characters in the F1 paddock, as well as being one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen.

Known for his incredible character and perseverance, Lauda had a massive crash at the Nürburgring in 1976. He was pulled out of the wreckage by the brave Arturo Merzario and Guy Edwards, saving his life, and Lauda, who had third-degree burns on his face, was racing again just six weeks later and just missed out on the title that year to James Hunt. Incredibly, he won the title the year after, and again in 1984 for McLaren.

Niki Lauda is one of the best drivers and people to ever grace the world of Formula 1, and he will be dearly missed. On behalf of all of us at GPblog, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Lauda family.

Updates to follow