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FORMULA 1

Schumacher still a role model for F1’s Vettel

Germany's world champion Sebastian Vettel has said compatriot Michael Schumacher is still his role-model and has backed the Formula One legend to return to form this season.

Published: 24 February 2011 16:56 CET
Schumacher still a role model for F1's Vettel
Photo: DPA

“I always see him as a role-model and I think he is capable of achieving something big this season,” Red Bull driver Vettel told German motoring magazine ADAC Motorwelt.

“I hope that it will not be too big, if he is second in the 2011 championships, that would be ok for me,” he joked.

Schumacher returned to Formula One racing in 2010 after a three-year hiatus which followed his seven world drivers’ championship wins. He finished a disappointing ninth in last season’s world drivers’ championships racing for Mercedes GP.

Schumacher turned 42 in January and told the magazine he is feeling “rather good” with the new season set to start with the Australian Grand Prix on March 27.

“This season, I think we can can aim for the podium and why not some Grand Prix wins,” said Schumacher. “But talk of the world title is still unrealistic.”

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FORMULA 1

Austrian Formula One legend Niki Lauda dies at 70

Legendary Formula One driver Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family said in a statement released to Austrian media early Tuesday.

Published: 21 May 2019 08:23 CEST
Austrian Formula One legend Niki Lauda dies at 70
Photos: AFP

“With deep sadness, we announce that our beloved Niki has peacefully passed away with his family on Monday,” the statement read.

Lauda's death comes eight months after he underwent a lung transplant.

“His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable, his tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain,” added the statement.

“A role model and a benchmark for all of us, he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.”

Lauda won the Formula One drivers' world championship three times, in 1975 and 1977 for Ferrari and in 1984 with McLaren.

“All at McLaren are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, colleague and 1984 Formula 1 World Champion, Niki Lauda, has passed away. Niki will forever be in our hearts and enshrined in our history. #RIPNiki,” his former team tweeted on their verified account.

Lauda had been non-executive chairman at Mercedes F1 since 2012 and he was instrumental in bringing in Lewis Hamilton to spark a run of success that has brought five consecutive world drivers' and constructors' championships.

During his driving career, Lauda suffered horrific injuries on August 1, 1976 when, having already won five races that season, his vehicle burst into flames on the Nuerburgring in Germany. 

He suffered severe burns on his face and hands, and inhaled toxic fumes which damaged his lungs.

Despite being given the last rites in hospital he made an almost miraculous recovery to race again just six weeks later still bandaged and in intense pain.

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