Three time former Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
Lauda who is was an icon of the sport sadly passed away peacefully on Monday his family has confirmed.
The Austrian won three World Championships two of which were with Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and one with McLaren in 1984.
Considered a genius amongst many within the sport for his vast knowledge of race cars, Lauda remarkably survived after being badly burned in a crash during the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
Although Lauda suffered third degree burns to his face and head as well as suffering damage to his lungs following the major crash, he amazingly recovered and returned to racing just 40 days later despite being given his last rights in hospital.
Lauda who was up until recently a non executive chairman at Mercedes F1, is best remembered for his rivalry with British driver James Hunt during the 1976 World Championship.