The motor racing community and the entire Daimler Family are in mourning for the devastating loss of Niki Lauda. The three-time Formula One World Champion and businessman passed away peacefully on Monday evening at the age of 70 surrounded by his closest family members.
2017 Singapore Grand Prix, Saturday – Paul Ripke 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, Saturday – Paul Ripke
“The motorsports world has lost its greatest fighter. The Mercedes family has lost an amazing mentor. And I have lost a true friend. Thanks Niki!” said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Ola Källenius, CEO elect of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, added: “We are mourning the loss of a very special person who showed terrific fighting spirit. Niki Lauda achieved enormous success and had a huge impact on motor racing. He was an exceptionally talented racing driver and a real inspiration as a businessman. His family are in our thoughts at this sad time.”
In 2012, Niki Lauda was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. While exercising this role, Niki won both the drivers’ and constructors’ Formula One World Championships with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport five times in a row between 2014 and 2018.
“Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport – he combined heroism, humanity and honesty inside and outside the cockpit,“ said Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. “Niki, you are quite simply 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.”
