Niki Lauda shows 'continuous improvement' in hospital after lung transplant

The former champion will remain in the hospital until he gets fully recovered.

3y ago

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Three-time Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda will remain in the Vienna hospital as he recovers from the lung transplant surgery last week as per the latest update.

The 69-year-old was admitted to the Vienna General Hospital with a severe flu last month while he was reportedly holidaying in Ibiza. His condition worsened and he was in need of a lung transplant then after.

The surgery was successfully performed by Walter Klepetko, Head of the Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, and Konrad Hotzenecker on August 2. As per latest update from the hospital, the Austrian was already able to breathe without any trouble and also support 24 hours after the transplant.

It adds, he is showing ‘continuous improvement’, but will still remain in the hospital until full recovery. “The AKH Vienna and the MedUni Vienna are pleased about the very satisfactory course after the lung transplantation on August 2.

"Already 24 hours after the operation, Niki Lauda was fully conscious that he could be extubated and breathe independently. Since then there has been a continuous improvement, all organs are working well.

"The patient [Lauda] will continue to be cared for until full recovery at the AKH Vienna,” the statement added. Earlier on, Mercedes' Toto Wolff released a heartfelt message for the team's non-executive chairman.

"Although we should enjoy the start of our summer holidays this evening, none of us at Mercedes will pretend that we feel happy – our thoughts are rather with Niki, Birgit and the Lauda family.

"The world knows Niki as an F1 legend with incredible power and resilience. For all of us at Mercedes he is our chairman, our mentor and our friend. We have missed him by our side in Hockenheim and Hungary, and can’t wait to have him back with us.

"The recovery he faces is not a race. But I’m sure he will soon be telling every nurse and doctor that he has had enough of hospital. We wish him a safe and speedy recovery – in that order – and send all our positive energy to him and his family. I miss you my friend," he said.