Billy Monger reveals Lauda inspired him to make his comeback
F1 News
Billy Monger has credited a chat with the late Niki Lauda in 2017 for inspiring him to make his comeback after his horrific F4 crash in 2017, where he lost both his legs.
Monger won his first race since returning to racing on Sunday at the Euro Formula race at Pau to complete his stunning return to racing, something Lauda also managed in 1976.
After Lauda’s horrendous crash at the German Grand Prix, Lauda only just survived, but returned six weeks later to finish fourth in the Italian Grand Prix.
Monger told BBC Breakfast: "I’m so sad to hear about his passing and my condolences go out to his family.
"Luckily I had the opportunity to meet Niki at the British Grand Prix back in 2017, so only a few months after I had my crash.
"And I chatted to him in the Mercedes garage and he had so many kind things to say about me and he really could relate to my situation and the determination to get back to motorsport after having a serious accident.
"It’s super sad and motorsport has lost one of the true legends of the sport."