Niki Lauda

[Thumper]

I didn't know where else to put this. We don't have an F1 Hall of Fame thread. I just found out that Three Time Formula One World Championship driver Niki Lauda passed away earlier this week. He was probably more known or famous for getting burned to a crisp in during a race in 1976. He had no business returning to the car to race and certainly not just 6 weeks after the crash. But he went on to win 2 more titles and lead several major teams to prominence.

His story was captured in the excellent movie Rush which detailed his battle with fellow driver James Hunt. Fierce competitors and always insulting each other, Hunt and Lauda shared a strange friendship and truly respected each other. Lauda continued on as an ambassador for F1 and motorsports in general and also founded several airlines. He rubbed some people the wrong way with is tenacity and attitude. But his strength, drive, and determination makes most of the rest of us look like lazy wussies. Rest in Peace Mr. Lauda. Hopefully Mr. Hunt was there to buy you a drink.

[geonuc]

Saw that. Lauda was a legend who died way too young.

[SciFiFisher]

He did seem to be one of those truly remarkable people.