Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has led the tributes following the passing of triple Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda.
The Austrian’s death was confirmed early on Tuesday by his family who was at his side as he lost a long battle with illness.
While his achievements on the track already speak for themselves, Lauda also played a crucial role in Mercedes’ recent success having joined as non-executive chairman in 2012.
And naturally, Wolff had nothing but praise for the 70-year-old’s legacy.
“First of all, on behalf of the team and all at Mercedes, I wish to send our deepest condolences to Birgit, Niki’s children, his family and close friends,” he said in a statement.
“Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport – he combined heroism, humanity, and honesty inside and outside the cockpit.
“His passing leaves a void in Formula 1. We haven’t just lost a hero who staged the most remarkable comeback ever seen, but also a man who brought precious clarity and candour to the modern F1. He will be greatly missed as our voice of common sense.
“Our Mercedes team has also lost a guiding light. As a teammate over the past six and a half years, Niki was always brutally honest – and utterly loyal.
“It was a privilege to count him among our team and moving to witness just how much it meant to him to be part of the team’s success. Whenever he walked the floor in Brackley and Brixworth or delivered one of his famous motivational speeches, he brought an energy that nobody else could replicate.
“Niki, you are quite simple irreplaceable, there will never be another like you.
“It was our honour to call you our Chairman – and my privilege to call you my friend.”
Tweets and messages of support and remembrance have been flooding in from across the motorsport and indeed sporting divide one of F1’s most inspirational drivers.
Ferrari: “Today is a sad day for F1. The great Ferrari family learns with deep sadness the news of the death of his friend Niki Lauda, three times world champion, two with the Scuderia (1975-1977).
“You will remain forever in our hearts and in those of the fans.”
McLaren: “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“
F1: “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.”
There will never be another like Lauda ever again.
