Lauda fans brave Vienna rain for last goodbye to racing legend

Thousands of fans braved heavy rain to pay their last respects to motor racing great Niki Lauda in his home city of Vienna yesterday as Formula One stars past and present gathered for his funeral. The triple world champion, best remembered for his comeback from a fiery crash in 1976 that left him badly burned and scarred him for life, died last week at the age of 70.

Members of Lauda’s family accompanied pallbearers carrying his remains into the gothic cathedral early in the morning. His wife Birgit and two of his sons placed Lauda’s red-and-white driver’s helmet on his coffin. Fans then filed past the raised casket, which was flanked by candles and floral wreaths in the centre of the cathedral, many queuing outside for an hour or more. “He was Niki, he is our national hero, our icon,” mourner Marion Hahn said.

“I have never done anything like this, to stand in line for someone for this long but I hope he rests in peace. He deserves it.” After several hours, the cathedral’s doors closed and onlookers gathered outside, standing several deep behind police barriers. Roughly 500 guests attended a Requiem Mass, which was also open to members of the public but took place behind closed doors. Lauda’s former McLaren teammate Alain Prost was due to give a reading from the Old Testament at the private ceremony, the Vienna archdiocese said.