McLaren pays tribute to Niki Lauda with a statue
McLaren unveiled a bronze statue in honor of the three-time world champion this Friday.
Three years already. On May 20, 2019, the Formula 1 world was in shock upon learning about the death of Austrian legend Niki Lauda. To commemorate the passing of the man nicknamed “the computer,” McLaren, the team with whom he won his last championship in 1984, unveiled a statue in his honor.
This latest creation, entirely made of bronze, was crafted by artist Paul Oz, who is known for his works depicting racecar drivers as he has previously created a bust of the brand’s founder, Bruce McLaren, and a statue of Ayrton Senna for the British team.
The new creation by Paul Oz represents the moment when the Austrian won his third title in Portugal, by half a point over his teammate, Alain Prost.
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.
A three-time world champion, and a true legend of our sport, forever missed but always remembered. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/YIkuAeJwKp
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 20, 2022
On social media, the other teams paid tribute to the former driver. Mercedes posted a series of photos of Niki Lauda along with his famous red cap.
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
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) May 20, 2022
❤️ https://t.co/pb9mV89We7
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) May 20, 2022
Ferrari, with whom he won two titles in 1975 and 1977, also shared a message in memory of the Austrian.
Per sempre nei nostri cuori, Niki ❤️#essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Bumj9jS5x6
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 20, 2022
Finally, Formula 1 also tweeted about it.
Remembering a true F1 hero ❤️
Niki Lauda’s unique talent and warrior spirit left an indelible mark on our sport pic.twitter.com/LEGFHmsM2s
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 20, 2022
