La noticia al despertarse del fallecimiento de Niki Lauda ha sido un duro golpe para todos aquellos que han formado parte o lo hacen actualmente del Campeonato del Mundo de Fórmula 1. El austriaco nunca dejó a nadie indiferente con su forma de ser dentro y fuera de las pistas. Irreverente, analítico, frío e inteligente, el tres veces campeón intercontinental llevó en volandas a sus equipos con un espíritu de trabajo incansable y exigencia propia que dejaron a otros muchos en ridículo.
Solo unas horas después de confirmarse la noticia de su muerte, los equipos con los que compitió y especialmente con los que consiguió sus tres títulos (Ferrari en 1975 y 1977, McLaren en 1984) se han acordado de él, incluyendo Mercedes-AMG F1 en la que era asesor con contrato hasta finales de 2020 y donde deja una gran amistad con Toto Wolff. Tampoco Toro Rosso o Red Bull han sido ajenos al anuncio oficial realizada la pasada madrugada por su familia:
Con profunda tristeza anunciamos que nuestro amado Niki Lauda murió pacíficamente el 20 de mayo de 2019. Sus realizaciones únicas como atleta y emprendedor son y permanecerán imborrables. Su incansable entusiasmo por la acción, su franqueza y su coraje permanecen como un modelo y una referencia para todos nosotros. Lejos del público era un marido cariñoso y atento, padre y abuelo. Sentiremos mucho su falta
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. pic.twitter.com/olmnjDaefo
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 21, 2019
❤ Niki, 1949 – 2019 pic.twitter.com/tMPi7s2ODE
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 21, 2019
Oggi è un giorno triste per la F1. La grande famiglia della Ferrari apprende con profonda tristezza la notizia della morte dell’amico Niki Lauda, tre volte campione del mondo, due con la Scuderia (1975-1977). Resterai per sempre nei cuori nostri e in quelli dei tifosi. #CiaoNiki pic.twitter.com/srQUUeDqLw
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 21, 2019
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 pic.twitter.com/Ndd9ZEfm6B
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2019
Franz Tost: Although I knew that Niki’s health condition was critical, I always expected him coming back to the track. I am very sad to realize that this will not be the case. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/h6i7IREv8G
— Visa Cash App RB F1 Team (@visacashapprb) May 21, 2019
We’ll miss you, Niki ❤️ #Legend pic.twitter.com/TkyzQezZ0A
— Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) May 21, 2019
A life truly lived.
Niki Lauda, 1949-2019 pic.twitter.com/75pilo44cp
— Honda Racing F1_Archive (@HondaRacingF1) May 21, 2019
A champion. A legend. A friend.
Ruhe in Frieden Niki. pic.twitter.com/dZ7CJmi5nC
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 21, 2019
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye today. Not many have embodied our sport like you, with such courage and passion. You are an inspiration, a true great, a legend. Thank you Niki. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/qZY7wcxf4l
— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) May 21, 2019
We’ll miss you, Niki ❤️ #Legend pic.twitter.com/TkyzQezZ0A
— Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) May 21, 2019
Tampoco los pilotos que trabajaron con él han podido evitar mostrar sus mensajes de apoyo a través de redes sociales. Desde Pedro Martínez de la Rosa, con el que compartió etapa en Jaguar, hasta los pilotos de la órbita Mercedes-AMG F1 como Nico Rosberg o George Russell. Incluso Fernando Alonso, con el que siempre mantuvo una posición muy encontrada le ha dedicado algunas palabras de recuerdo a Lauda. Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, Nico Hülkenberg, las redes se han ido llenando de mensajes de los deportistas en su recuerdo.
I’m struggling to believe you are gone. I will miss our conversations, our laughs, the big hugs after winning races together. God rest your soul. Thank you for being a bright light in my life. I’ll always be here for your family should they ever need me. Love you man pic.twitter.com/cotUpuvW2F
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) May 21, 2019
Dear Niki… pic.twitter.com/nsJk2z1qAM
— Nico Rosberg (@NicoRosberg) May 21, 2019
Niki, you were a true legend and a wonderful man!
May you rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiPFnhUKBN
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) May 21, 2019
I learnt so much from this great man. Not only about racing, He taught me about life. One of the persons I have fought hardest with but most loved and respected. Thanks Niki. Always a legend. Big kiss to all his great family. RIP Niki😘 pic.twitter.com/ATNFw8MIPn
— Pedro de la Rosa (@PedrodelaRosa1) May 21, 2019
RIP Niki 😔 pic.twitter.com/atc0iQanAN
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 21, 2019
R.I.P Niki Lauda
A legend is gone 😭#legend #sad #F1 pic.twitter.com/Lo3afrlg19— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) May 21, 2019
Una leyenda de la @F1 se ha ido, pero siempre será recordado. Fue un honor poder compartir momentos tan especiales con uno de los pilotos más talentosos que ha tenido la Fórmula Uno, y más aun poder aprender de él. Gracias #NikiLauda RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2kBEFI8hWF
— Esteban Gutierrez (@EstebanGtz) May 21, 2019
Adiós a uno de los grandes. #NikiLauda 😔
Nos ha dejado una de las grandes leyendas del automovilismo.He was a three-time #F1 world champion and the only man to have won the drivers' title for both Ferrari and McLaren. #RIPNikiLauda #RIP pic.twitter.com/8ezPCjCgoE
— Roberto Merhi (@robertomerhi) May 21, 2019
Can't find the words.. a special person has passed away. 😔
Rest in Peace, Niki! pic.twitter.com/qDbPCqL4tf— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) May 21, 2019
Shocked by the loss of Niki Lauda. He was a true legend in our sport and someone I had great respect for. May he rest in peace #RIPNiki pic.twitter.com/NCCduqNQuU
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) May 21, 2019
RIP Niki 🙏🏼#legend pic.twitter.com/E2dM5emEYU
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) May 21, 2019
Very saddened to hear that Niki Lauda has passed away. One of the last proper heroes of our sport, a true gentleman, and a great human. RIP // Muy triste por el fallecimiento de Niki Lauda. Uno de los auténticos héroes de nuestro deporte, todo un señor y una gran persona. DEP pic.twitter.com/GZjI6yG5A8
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) May 21, 2019
Really sad to hear the news that Niki Lauda has died. One of the true racers ! Rest in peace Niki you will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/H0QCJhe7i0
— Sébastien Buemi (@Sebastien_buemi) May 21, 2019
Niki Lauda was a pure example of hard work pays off! He said he had a great ass & could feel everything the car was doing. My Hero and I wish I was a Senna but I often think I was born more like a Lauda! Thank you Niki for all that you gave the sport, sad you have left us 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XcAW1AfGco
— Simon Pagenaud (@simonpagenaud) May 21, 2019
Ti svegli il mattino, guardi fuori.. piove. Che giorno triste.
Poi leggi le notizie e scopri che è morto #NikiLauda , uno dei tuoi eroi da sempre. E allora sì, è davvero un giorno triste!
Godspeed Niki. pic.twitter.com/BBWup9QvJz— alex zanardi (@lxznr) May 21, 2019
RIP Niki ! 😰 Today a true hero left us! Thanks Niki for the inspiration you have been to so many, for the directness you have always applied, the amazing speed & fighting spirit you had. We will miss you, but never forget you. My condolences to Niki's family and friends. 😢 pic.twitter.com/80rnHgoi3L
— alex wurz (@alex_wurz) May 21, 2019
También ha habido lugar para el recuerdo de otras entidades, competiciones y personas relacionados con el automovilismo, todas han destacado la figura y el referente para el deporte que siempre ha sido Niki Lauda. Descanse en paz.
Niki Lauda was a hero of motor sport, 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 @MercedesAMGF1 team.#NikiLauda #F1 pic.twitter.com/aAoIVwexZU
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) May 21, 2019
Qualche settimana fa ho postato questa foto di me e Niki incitandolo a continuare a lottare come ha sempre fatto. Niki non ce l’ha fatta e oggi è un giorno tristissimo per la formula uno che perde un grande personaggio e per me che perdo un grande amico. Ciao Niki. pic.twitter.com/vUJOEjxmO6
— Flavio Briatore (@Briatore) May 21, 2019
We’re saddened to learn that Niki Lauda has passed away
A three-time @F1 world champion who epitomised bravery and brilliance. A true legend who transcended motorsport
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire F1 community pic.twitter.com/VfjLBvkaFp
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 21, 2019
Hoy nos deja toda una leyenda de la F1, Niki Lauda: triple campeón del mundo y ejemplo de superación para todos. D.E.P pic.twitter.com/zTZcDnVpy1
— Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE (@Circuito_Jarama) May 21, 2019
Niki Lauda was one of motorsport’s most influential and legendary figures.
His determination to succeed was unparalleled; his achievements unforgettable.
We will miss him so very deeply.To his family and friends, all of us at DTM offer our deepest sympathies. pic.twitter.com/743SXMIhDZ
— DTM (@DTM) May 21, 2019
La Fédération Française du Sport Automobile rend hommage à Niki Lauda.
Le triple Champion du Monde de Formule 1, véritable légende de notre sport, nous a quitté à l'âge de 70 ans.
Repose en paix Niki. pic.twitter.com/hg9bFtH5uT
— FFSA (@FFSportAuto) May 21, 2019
Adiós a un mito. Ejemplo de superación. Descansa en paz campeón #Leyenda #NikiLauda 🙏🏻 || RIP Niki Lauda 1949-2019 🏎 pic.twitter.com/wJJ2j6hqmP
— Dani Sordo (@DaniSordo) May 21, 2019
RIP Niki Lauda, a true Icon and Motorsport legend. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. pic.twitter.com/v6bOMZfsWc
— Casey Stoner AM (@Official_CS27) May 21, 2019
I will never forget when I met you and all your advice Niki. All my thoughts are with your family. 🙏🏼
Nunca olvidaré cuando nos conocimos y todos tus consejos. Todo mi apoyo a los familiares y amigos. 🙏🏼#RIPNikiLauda #legend pic.twitter.com/eexAudFlDl— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) May 21, 2019
We mourn the loss of motor racing legend Niki Lauda. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many in the world of this sport. pic.twitter.com/7WJ6TFVVS9
— BMW M Motorsport (@BMWMotorsport) May 21, 2019
Día muy triste para el mundo del automovilismo tras el fallecimiento de Niki Lauda, una leyenda de nuestro deporte. Un ídolo para muchos aficionados y deportistas.
Nuestras condolencias para sus familiares y allegados en estos momentos de dolor.
Le echaremos de menos. D.E.P. pic.twitter.com/sgBqvgmUsD— Real Federación Española de Automovilismo (@RFEdeA) May 21, 2019
Niki was a champion. He was an icon. He was an Austrian treasure. He was one of my dear friends. I will miss this generous, trailblazing hero with my whole heart. https://t.co/9Eq9jp4qMK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 21, 2019
RIP the Great #NikiLauda. Here’s our last meeting in #MonteCarlo in ‘18 We first met while making the movie Rush. The F1 world knows of his grit & intensely competitive spirit, but that matched w/his keen intelligence & wisdom made him a distinctively remarkable man. a force. pic.twitter.com/SMizNt9Hge
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) May 21, 2019
