Martin Brundle and Damon Hill believe Niki Lauda will be remembered as a "remarkable individual" whose impact and influence transcended F1.
Lauda passed away aged 70 on Monday night, with the F1 community uniting to pay tribute to one of the sport's most popular and legendary characters.
"He was a remarkable individual, both in the racing car and out. He was a man who transcended Formula 1," said Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle.
"Even if you're not necessarily a Formula 1 fan you knew about Niki Lauda, three times a Formula 1 world champion."
Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, said: "Everyone who was in motor racing knew Niki's personality as one of the most potent individuals in the sport.
"Not only as a driver, he was highly intellectual, he was stoic and someone who was eminently quotable all the time.
"It's very sad to hear we've lost Niki but so many people have been affected positively by having known him."
Lauda the man
While the Austrian's success behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car - three drivers' titles, 25 race wins and 24 pole positions - place him among the greatest drivers of all time, Lauda's achievements off the track also marked him out.
"He was a fighter, an incredible individual and great company," said Brundle.
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"He was also a great entrepreneur, with his airline and his involvement with Formula 1 teams, most recently Mercedes-Benz. A man who was very much responsible for convincing Lewis Hamilton to go to Mercedes in this era.
"So many things have been going through my head since I've woken up to this news about how Niki interacted with Formula 1 and the gladiatorial way that he won three world championships. I don't think he ever had the absolute speed of a Senna or a Schumacher, but he got his head down and took on the best and beat them."
Hill added: "He was one of the few men who could sit down with Enzo Ferrari and Bernie Ecclestone, look them straight in the eye and they knew he meant business.
"He was a remarkable individual in every way."
Remembering Niki
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