Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda was an Austrian racing driver widely recognized for his remarkable career in Formula 1. He is best remembered for his incredible comebacks, winning the World Championship three times, and his rivalry with James Hunt. Born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, Lauda left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport.

Personal and Family Life

Niki Lauda was born into a wealthy family, but they did not support his ambitions to become a race car driver. He faced many challenges and raced in smaller competitions before finally breaking into Formula 1 with March. Lauda had two marriages; he was married to Marlene Knaus from 1976 to 1991, with whom he had two children, and later, he married Birgit Wetzinger in 2008, having two more children together.

Career Highlights

Lauda’s journey in Formula 1 began with difficulties, yet he quickly rose through the ranks. After catching the attention of Enzo Ferrari, he drove for Ferrari and won his first championship in 1975. Tragically, his career almost ended in 1976 after a severe crash, but he returned to racing astonishingly fast and competed fiercely for the championship, finishing just one point behind Hunt. He secured his third title in 1984 and retired in 1985 but later returned to compete for McLaren.

Death and Legacy

Niki Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, in Zurich, Switzerland, from natural causes. His legacy as a resilient and skilled driver continues to influence the world of motorsports, and he is remembered as a pioneer who overcame great adversity. Lauda became a respected figure in aviation as well, founding Lauda Air and eventually becoming a consultant for Ferrari.

Filmography