RIP Nikki Lauda

[Dandock]

Yesterday we lost one of the true F1 greats.

RIP Nikki Lauda. Fondly remembered here a few years ago by fellow Macan Forum member mistertoad.

Nikki used to drive our Lauda Air ((VW Combi) Crew buses out to and back from the aircraft as if he was trying to catch Hunt the Shunt! Had any of us driven half as fast we would have lost our air side driving clearance instantly. But then we weren't Austrian heroes.
One Saturday in the summer of 1992 Niki and I were rostered to fly a B767 from Vienna to Larnaca and back. Departure was delayed due to heavy air traffic, so we sat on the ramp at Vienna with the passengers on board for about half an hour. Niki was acting as a consultant for Ferrari at the time and he told me he wanted Senna to leave Williams and join Ferrari. He phoned Ayrton from the flight deck while we were waiting for a slot and they talked for about five minutes. After the call he told me Senna would consder a move if Nikki could get Adrian Newey to join Ferrari as well. We were still waiting for a slot when Nikki rang Adrian Newey. Mrs Newey answered and said her husband was out shopping, but she would get Adrian to call Nikki as soon as he got back. Shortly after that we received start clearance . Nikki got one of the stewardesses to sit on a jump seat with his mobile phone and take the call when it came through. As we headed east over Slovakia the mobile phone signal faded and Nikki lost contact. I think contractual reasons eventually stymied the move after that. Had the deal gone through Ayrton Senna might be alive today.
PS When I asked Nikki what he thought of a new German driver called Michael Schumacher he said he was not impressed!

[Davidone]

Very sad......a great driver and brave man

[Paul]

Just caught up with this - fantastic driver, humble and so determined in the face of any and all adversity.

[Col Lamb]

Sad day.

A true inspiration to all in F1 and indeed many other sports.

RIP Niki and thanks for the memories.

[ScotMac]

I had missed him recently on the F1 coverage.

[On-Track]

Sad day.

A true inspiration to all in F1 and indeed many other sports.

RIP Niki and thanks for the memories.

+1

[uktivo]

Named my new addition to the car family after him. I collect Niki on Monday..

[Wing Commander]

Named my new addition to the car family after him. I collect Niki on Monday..

Now ‘Nikki’ instead of ‘Nigel’?

[Pivot]

RIP Nikki!
Sadly, few days before Monaco GP.

[uktivo]

Named my new addition to the car family after him. I collect Niki on Monday..

Now ‘Nikki’ instead of ‘Nigel’?

Yep. Im afraid so...