F1 | McLaren reveal bronze sculpture in tribute to Niki Lauda
Three years on from the passing of Niki Lauda, one of his former teams has paid a beautiful tribute to him.
On the third anniversary of the passing of Niki Lauda at the age of 70, McLaren has unveiled a new bronze sculpture at their technology centre to pay tribute to the legendary Austrian.
In honour of Niki Lauda, who passed away three years ago today, we’ve unveiled a bronze statue which will reside at the McLaren Technology Centre.
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 20, 2022
A three-time world champion, and a true legend of our sport, forever missed but always remembered. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/YIkuAeJwKp
Lauda took his third and final title with the Woking-based team 38 years ago after coming out of retirement. To this day, he’s still the only F1 driver in history to win a Drivers’ Championship with McLaren and Ferrari.
Bruce McLaren, Niki Lauda and Ayrton Senna.
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 20, 2022
Three icons. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AfIbIW9U8E
His two titles with Ferrari came in 1975 and 1977, while in 1976 he came agonisingly close to the championship following a remarkable return to action – missing just two races – after an accident at the Nurburgring almost cost him his life.
Per sempre nei nostri cuori, Niki ❤️#essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bumj9jS5x6
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 20, 2022
Newer fans of Formula One will remember Lauda for his role as non-executive chairman at Mercedes. He played a key role in securing the signature of Lewis Hamilton from McLaren at the end of 2012 and was part of the team that won five straight Drivers' and Constructors' Championships before his passing in 2019.
Three years ago, we didn’t just lose a colleague. We lost a friend and a mentor. Niki, we miss you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qN3UgGCjSb
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 20, 2022
The statue is the third in a series, which includes bronze sculptures of the team's founder Bruce McLaren and three-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna. This trio of sculptures was commissioned by McLaren's long-time shareholder Mansour Ojjeh, before he passed away last year.
Honouring and remembering Niki's time at McLaren, the sculpture is a snapshot of the moment when he secured his third title in 1984, where he celebrated with a three-fingered salute. The piece also features his famous Parmalat cap and helmet with gloves. The sculpture of Niki will sit on the Boulevard.
A tribute to a legend of F1 and of our team. We miss you, Niki. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/L8S6mA0yBi
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 20, 2022
