When Niki Lauda started the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring he was already a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1.
The young Austrian had transformed himself from a self-financed driver in 1972 to a world champion with Ferrari in 1975.
WATCH: #RIPNikiLauda - Motorsport stars pay tribute to F1 legend
The 70-year-old was recovering from a lung transplant about eight months ago. According to a statement from his family, Lauda passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 20.
GALLERY: Remembering F1 legend Niki Lauda
The young Austrian had transformed himself from a self-financed driver in 1972 to a world champion with Ferrari in 1975.
WATCH: #RIPNikiLauda - Motorsport stars pay tribute to F1 legend
The 70-year-old was recovering from a lung transplant about eight months ago. According to a statement from his family, Lauda passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 20.
GALLERY: Remembering F1 legend Niki Lauda