Niki Lauda recovering after undergoing lung transplant operation

Three-time world champion Niki Lauda is recovering after undergoing a "successful" lung transplant operation. The Austrian has been absent from the paddock in the last number of races, and it has now been revealed that the 69-year-old underwent a serious operation.

It was initially believed that Lauda was suffering from a bad cough, before later reports claimed that he had severe flu. However, the Vienna General Hospital released a statement stating that Lauda has had a lung transplant.

The statement read: "Due to a severe affection of the lungs, Niki Lauda had to undergo a lung transplantation at the AKH Vienna today. The transplantation was done successfully by Walter Klepetko, head of thoracic surgery, and Konrad Hotzenecker. We kindly ask for your understanding that the family won’t give any official statements and we ask to protect the privacy of the Lauda family."

Lauda currently helps operate proceedings at Mercedes, holding the role of non-executive chairman. He won his first world championship in 1975, before being badly burned at a race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife one year later. He returned later that year and went on to win the championships of 1977 and 1984.

Get well soon Niki!

  • 1
  • Aug 3 2018 - 18:47

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • Get well soon Niki!

    • + 1
    • Aug 3 2018 - 18:47
  • Norbert

    Posts: 108

    +1 Have a good recovery

    • + 0
    • Aug 4 2018 - 01:06

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar