Wheels24.co.za | WATCH: Austrian president pays tribute to \'inspirational\' Niki Lauda

WATCH: Austrian president pays tribute to 'inspirational' Niki Lauda

2019-05-22 12:15

In this file photo taken on July 3, 2016 Former Formula 1 Champion Niki Lauda attends the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Austria at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. Image: AFP / Andrej Isakovic

Leading political figures in Austria gave their reaction to the death of three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda on Tuesday.

Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen called Lauda a "great Austrian" and an "inspiration for all of us."

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The legendary icon passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, his family announced in a statement.