F1 great Niki Lauda recovering well after lung transplant, doctors say

Vienna  :  Three-time world Formula One champion Niki Lauda is recovering well after undergoing a lung transplant, the Vienna General Hospital said on Monday.

The medical team said the 69-year-old had been making continuous progress following Thursday's surgery and his organs were working well.

"Already 24 hours after surgery, Lauda could be extubated, was spontaneously breathing and had full consciousness," the hospital said in a statement.

The Austrian would stay at the hospital until he had made a full recovery, which could mean spending a while there.

The former F1 driver-turned-businessman had to cut short his vacation on the Spanish island of Ibiza to travel to Vienna as he became unwell.

According to Austrian daily Österreich, Lauda travelled to Vienna when his condition deteriorated after contracting the flu.

In 1976, the former Ferrari driver was involved in a serious accident at the German circuit of Nürburgring, sustaining severe burns.

He underwent kidney transplants in 1997 and 2005.

Lauda was crowned F1 champion three times: in 1975, 1977 and 1984.