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Tribute To Niki Lauda, Forever A Legend

24.05.2019 - As many of you may know, a great Formula One legend has recently passed away. His name, was Niki Lauda. He is often remembered for his fiery crash in Germany 1976. However, his life had much more notable facts and memories that were not only action filled, but that we can all learn from.

First honor to Lauda is his move into F1. Always observant, always humble - he swiftly moved up the ranks by using business skills that would land him a ride at Ferrari after proving his worth - AFTER paving the road for his own opportunity. That's something no other driver can claim.

Second, he was very clean as a competitor and as a rival to James Hunt. He raced hard, very aggressively, but above all he raced smart. He could set up a car faster than its potential would have let it and drive it beyond its ability even then!

One of the most iconic moments in Mr Lauda's career however may be his return to Monza some 40 days after his accident. His pain and blood loss, add in the heat and harsh conditions already associated with being a F1 driver makes the fact that he finished 4th highly, highly respected and revered. Many drivers would have called it quits on the season, maybe even their whole careers after such a crash Lauda endured. But here is where Niki demonstrated that he was indeed a legend. Aside from his intellectual genius and level head, he had the perseverance to go through adversity and beat it. He only lost to Hunt by one point. Think of it - one position higher anywhere else, or had Lauda not crashed at all - or Hunt's DQ at Spain stood - Lauda would have easily become a F1 legend on the spot in 1976 as WDC.

Also, he later came back and won a championship with title rival McLaren in 1984, what a turn of events from 1977. Then, even after he retired his presence is felt by many.

He acted as a guiding hand in leading the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team to consecutive double WDC, inputting his advice on the cars as well as tactical ideas - and as a guidance counseler for Nico, Lewis and Valterri.

Thus in conclusion, Niki Lauda will be remembered as the model F1 legend. Most of his accomplishments occured after his major accident in Germany 1976. He was one of the last classic greats of an era of dangerous high horsepower machines capable of death and destruction. His bravery is unrivaled and his grit is unmatched as he recovered significantly well to make a mark on F1 that may never be seen again. Lauda was able to survive to have such a major impact on our sport, providing insights and opinions from a perspective that may never be seen from again.