Niki Lauda underwent a lung transplant in Vienna

Nik Lauda’s health condition is a little serious than first assumed, when a story broke out that he had suffered some ‘summer flu’ during his family vacation in Ibiza.

With the flu getting a little out of hand, Lauda was flown to Vienna in order to get his treatment started.

He wasn’t seen during the last two races in Hockenheim and Budapest and hence specualtion had started about his health and well-being, especially after the sad and sudden demise of former Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne.

Lauda was in the intensive care unit for a large part of a day but his condition had become a little better and had hence been moved away from the ICU.

However, his condition worsened on Thursday and a severe lung disease was detected.

A transplant had to be carried out at the earliest and the operation was thankfully successful as reported by a Vienna publication

Walter Klepetko, the head of the Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery and Konrad Hötzenecker carried out the operation.

“We ask for your understanding that the family will not make public statements and request that the privacy of the Lauda family be safeguarded,” said the hospital doctors at Vienna AKH, where Lauda was being treated.

The Mercedes family would be hoping for a quick recovery for Lauda so that he gets back to doing what he loves most.

Niki Lauda had survived the Nurburgring accident in 1976 and a man who is made of steel should see this health hazard through as well.

Best wishes to you and your family, Niki. See you in Mercedes paddock soon enough