Formula One legend Niki Lauda has died at age 70, a family spokeswoman said in a statement.

Lauda, who was hospitalised in January for about 10 days while suffering from influenza, died on Monday surrounded by family, according to the statement published by Austrian media.

“His unique achievements as an athlete and entrepreneur are and will remain unforgettable,” the statement said.

“His tireless zest for action, his straightforwardness and his courage remain a role model and a benchmark for all of us.

“He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather away from the public, and he will be missed.”

Lauda won three world titles in 1975, 1977 and 1984 with McLaren and Ferrari.

In 1976 he was badly burned in a fiery crash at the German Grand Prix and his lungs were damaged by toxic smoke.

His former racing team McLaren led tributes.

“All at McLaren are deeply saddened to learn that our friend, colleague and 1984 Formula 1 World Champion, Niki Lauda, has passed away,” the team said.

“Niki will forever be in our hearts and enshrined in our history.”

Lauda remained closely involved with the Formula One circuit after retiring as a driver in 1985, and in recent years served as the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team.

He set up the airline Lauda Air in 1979 which expanded in the 1980s to offer flights to Australia and Asia.