The F1 family pays a heartfelt tribute to Niki Lauda

©NicoRosberg

The Formula 1 community paid tribute to Niki Lauda after the three-time world champion's passing on Monday at the age of 70.

Rememberings poured in from drivers, teams, and team managers, honouring the memory of one Grand Prix racing's greatest legends.

Lauda collected 15 wins with the Scuderia, winning the championship with the Italian squad in 1975 and 1977.

After a two-year break from the sport, the F1 legend returned to the race track in 1982 with McLaren, winning his final title with Ron Dennis' team in 1984.

Lewis Hamilton was understandably shocked by Lauda's passing.

Valtteri Bottas and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg also posted their tributes on social media.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said he was lucky to count Lauda among his friends.

They weren't even born when Lauda was writing F1 history, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz valued the great Austrian's heritage.

Former F1 driver Mark Webber got to know Niki well during the Aussie's days with Jaguar.

Riccardo Patrese, a rival from the past, also paid tribute to the F1 legend's memory.

And FIA president Jean Todt also paid homage to Lauda.

Finally, F1 CEO Chase Carey remembered the man and his outstanding courage.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Niki Lauda," Carey said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Formula 1 has lost not only one of the truly great exponents of the sport but also one of its heroes.

"His love of racing and the courage he demonstrated were simply extraordinary and he inspired so many fans. His passing is a great loss for the entire Formula 1 family and motorsport as a whole. All our thoughts go to his family."