The Austria Press Agency reported that Lauda’s family said in a statement he “passed away peacefully” on Monday.
Lauda won two of his three titles after a terrible crash at the German Grand Prix in 1976 that left him with serious burns.
1978: Champion motor racing driver Niki Lauda of the Parmalat racing team in his F1 Brabham Alfa Romeo during the British Grand Prix at the Brand's Hatch motor-racing circuit in Kent. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Niki Lauda, Ferrari
Austrian Niki Lauda celebrates victory in the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch after winning in his McLaren-Ford. Second place finisher Didier Pironi (l) doesn't look too disappointing with his afternoons work
Austrian Niki Lauda celebrates victory in the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch after winning in his Marlboro McLaren
Former F1 great Niki Lauda during the British Grand Prix
Mercedes Lewis Hamilton with Niki Lauda during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Mercedes Niki Lauda during the practice day at Silverstone Circuit, Towcester.
Austrian Niki Lauda (c) with Dr Wolfgang Reitzle chairman of the Premier Automotive Group (L) and Tony Purnell, Chairman of the Pi Group, at a press conference in central London to announce that Mr Lauda is joining Jaguar as Chief Executive Officer. * of the Premier Performance Division. Lauda, who famously returned to racing just seven weeks after suffering horrific burns in an accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, will be chiefly responsible for all Jaguar's F1 commitments and will assist with Aston Martin's challenge for the Le Mans 24-hour race. The newly formed division of the Premier Automotive Group is established to oversee, coordinate and support the motor sport activities of Jaguar Racing, Cosworth Racing and the Pi electronics group.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - MAY 20: Nicki Lauda attends the 2006 Life Ball AIDS charity gala on May 20, 2006 in Vienna, Austria. Life Ball has become one of the city's biggest annual social events. (Photo by Jan Pitman/Getty Images)
17th July 1975: Austrian motor-racing driver Niki Lauda, who won the World Championships three times. (Photo by Frank Barratt/Keystone/Getty Images)
File photo dated 10-07-2016 of Niki Lauda.
File photo dated 23-04-1985 of Master of the Worshipful Company of Glovers Stephen Kirsch (left) presents the Golden Glove Award to McLaren Formula One team boss Ron Dennis (right) and his driver Niki Lauda.
