Three-time F1 world champion and racing legend Niki Lauda remains in intensive care over the summer break following a lung transplant. The 69-year-old Mercedes chairman became ill while vacationing in Ibiza.
Austrian media reported that the ex-driver was flown via private jet to the Vienna General Hospital after contracting what is believed to have been the influenza virus. He underwent a lung transplant on Thursday and remains in intensive care while he recovers.
The hospital performs over 120 lung transplants annually and the estimated recovery time for his operation is roughly three weeks. However, his age may mean that the recovery process may take longer than usual.
Lauda is a familiar face in the Formula One paddock, specifically the Mercedes garage, where he currently serves as chairman. However, he was absent from the Hungarian Grand Prix and the team’s home race in Germany the week prior.
The doctors do not believe that the transplant was related to the permanent injuries that he sustained from his fiery crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix. The crash caused major burns to his face and lungs and also required two kidney transplants.
