(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 14, 1983, French Formula One driver Alain Prost (L) poses with Austrian former champion Niki Lauda on the McLaren car they will drive during the 1984 Formula One season at Le Castellet racetrack, southern France. - Legendary Formula One driver Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family said in a statement released to Austrian media early Tuesday, May 21, 2019. (Photo by GERARD FOUET / AFP)
The world is always a little poorer when someone passes on who reminds us of the finest qualities of human beings. That is the case today as we mourn the death of Formula One racing legend Niki Lauda.
Even for those who do not follow the sport, Lauda’s story was an inspirational one. A determined and sometimes ruthless driver who campaigned for better safety when drivers were dying frequently in Grands Prix, Lauda was himself immolated in a fiery crash at Nuerburgring in Germany in August, 1976.
Given the last rites by a Catholic priest, Lauda not only fought his way back from death but, within weeks, was back racing and went on to win more Formula One championships. Even though disfigured by burns, Lauda did not shy away from the limelight and went on to build a successful racing and business life.
His story has been called the greatest comeback in the history of sport and a movie, Rush, has been made about it and about his legendary rivalry with British driver James Hunt. Lauda was living, walking, driving proof of the power of the human mind and spirit.
For that alone, the world owes him a debt of thanks.
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