Grand Prix Rejects

Apparently there are reports that Niki Lauda has passed away.

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/niki ... 0/4392728/

He had been unwell for a while with various lung ailments but still, I never thought this day would come so soon.

Goodbye Niki. I'd like to think he's now about to surprise James Hunt at a bar in the next life.

We're probably reaching the point where we need to cherish the 70s generation while they're still with us. Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti might still be fairly active in the public eye (indeed Mario still drives the IndyCar two-seater regularly) but as we've sadly been reminded today, who knows when that day will come around.

Oh man. No matter how much one can prepare for this, I couldn't help being shocked.
One of my 3 heroes, who got me interested in motorsport and Formula 1. My father had (and has) an undying admiration and respect for Niki that got transferred to me.
I stood next to him a couple of times but was completely over-awed by him and couldn't bring myself to speak to him.

I will never forget Niki.

A fearless driver.

I'd have never set foot in a Formula 1 car, or probably even in a racetrack again if that was me in his Nurburgring accident. As well as the fact that he was one of the best in the business, I have a lot of admiration for that as well.

RIP Niki, I hope you and James are enjoying a catch up.

FullMetalJack wrote:A fearless driver.

In every way. Not intimidated by race tracks, famous team bosses or even Boeing.

He really will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace

East Londoner wrote:He had been unwell for a while with various lung ailments but still, I never thought this day would come so soon.

Goodbye Niki. I'd like to think he's now about to surprise James Hunt at a bar in the next life.

We're probably reaching the point where we need to cherish the 70s generation while they're still with us. Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti might still be fairly active in the public eye (indeed Mario still drives the IndyCar two-seater regularly) but as we've sadly been reminded today, who knows when that day will come around.

That is indeed true - we are fortunate that most of them are still in good health these days, but Lauda's passing is a sad reminder that the veterans from that era are slowly fading away. As many of those who have paid tributes to him have noted, Lauda certainly could look back at his life and say that it was a life that was lived to the full, despite - or perhaps because - of the adversities that he faced along the way.

What a brave, practical and bitingly funny man he was. When I started watching F1 in 1982 I knew nothing about his previous history so could judge him on his merits and it became clear very quickly what a special talent he was. RIP

(PS I noticed Andrew Benson as ever completely missing the point on the BBC website, claiming that 'Rush' does Niki a disservice by making him and James Hunt out to be fierce rivals and not friends. Erm...has he watched it?!)

Very sad.

Barbazza wrote:What a brave, practical and bitingly funny man he was. When I started watching F1 in 1982 I knew nothing about his previous history so could judge him on his merits and it became clear very quickly what a special talent he was. RIP

(PS I noticed Andrew Benson as ever completely missing the point on the BBC website, claiming that 'Rush' does Niki a disservice by making him and James Hunt out to be fierce rivals and not friends. Erm...has he watched it?!)

Given that Benson doesn't appear to even watch the races, going by some of the drivel he posts, it wouldn't surprise me.

While the news is not particularly surprising (his health has been taking successive turns for the worse for the last year or so), I am still saddened by the passing of such a great driver. I'm sure he will never be forgotten.

Very sad. The lung transplant, pneumonia etc forewarned us, but very sad to hear.
His story in motor racing and outside is properly remarkable and exceptional. Truly multi talented. I've been lucky enough to see him race and follow his story. Thanks Niki

When a guy's persevered through what Lauda has, it's hard to see him go at only 70.

Such sad news, was such a fighter but just proves that no one is invincible, it’s been an honour to have you in and around the sport Niki!

RIP Niki

I need to get a good sample of Niki saying 'this is total bullshit' in that inimitable way of his and make a sound board app out of it.

Yeah, there is something about Niki Lauda and the story of his survival, that it seems almost strange that he would die in any other way than fighting his way out. He must have had a very difficult final year, what with his complications, so part of me empathises and is glad that he has been given peace. He was human, and everyone has to go eventually, even those like Lauda who seem invincible. This is more a ramble than a personal eulogy, but there are few living drivers I respected as much as Niki Lauda. A life lived well, to have that reputation. Rest in peace.

R.I.P. They just don't make them like that anymore