Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda (22 February 1949 – 20 May 2019) was an Austrian motor racing driver, entrepreneur, and aviation executive who achieved prominence as a three‑time Formula One World Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most successful and influential figures.
Early Life and Education
Born in Vienna, Austria, Lauda was the son of a well‑to‑do businessman. He attended the Vienna International School and later pursued engineering studies at the Technical University of Vienna, although he left university to focus on a racing career.
Racing Career
Formula One Debut
Lauda made his Formula One debut in 1971 with the March team. He quickly progressed to a drive with BRM and later with British team Hesketh Racing in 1973.
Ferrari (1974–1977)
In 1974, Lauda joined Scuderia Ferrari, where he won his first World Drivers' Championship in 1975, narrowly beating teammate Arturo Merzario and consistent points‑scorer James Hunt. The 1975 season featured six victories and four pole positions.
1976 Crash and Recovery
During the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Lauda suffered a severe crash that ignited his car and caused extensive burns and inhalation injuries. After a nine‑day hospitalization, Laude returned to competition at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing fourth. He ultimately lost the 1976 championship to James Hunt by a single point, a dramatic conclusion that has been extensively documented.
Brabham and Return to Ferrari
After a brief stint with Brabham (1978), Lauda returned to Ferrari for the 1979 season, securing his second World Drivers' Championship in 1977 before moving to the German team. He later rejoined Ferrari for the 1979 season, achieving several podium finishes.
McLaren (1982–1985)
Lauda signed with McLaren in 1982, teaming with John Watson and later with Alain Prost. The partnership with Prost yielded Lauda’s third World Championship in 1984, after a season dominated by consistent points finishes and two race victories.
Retirement and Post‑Racing Activities
Lauda retired from full‑time Formula One competition after the 1985 season but remained involved in motorsport as a consultant and team owner. He co‑founded and managed the Sauber Formula One team (1993–1995) and later became a non‑executive chairman of the Mercedes‑Benz Formula One team (2012–2018).
Business Ventures
Beyond racing, Lauda founded two commercial airlines: Lauda Air (established 1979) and later Niki (founded 2003). Both carriers operated low‑cost and charter services throughout Europe and the Middle East. The airlines were later sold to other operators, but they contributed significantly to Austria’s aviation market.
Personal Life
Lauda married Brigitte (née Albrecht) in 1976; they had two children, Mathias and Lukas. The marriage ended in divorce in 2008. In 2018, he married Austrian model and entrepreneur Birgit Wetzinger.
Death
Niki Lauda died on 20 May 2019 at the age of 70 after complications from a lung transplant performed in March 2018. His death prompted widespread tributes from the motorsport community and global media.
Legacy
- Three Formula One World Drivers' Championships (1975, 1977, 1984).
- Inducted into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame (1999) and the FIA Hall of Fame (2017).
- Recognized for his technical contributions to car development, safety advocacy, and business entrepreneurship within aviation.
- Subject of the 2013 biographical film “Rush,” which dramatized his rivalry with James Hunt.