• 2024-02

Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda: A Legendary Formula One Driver and Aviation Entrepreneur

Personal Information:

Career Highlights:

Early Life and Racing Career:

Born into a wealthy Viennese family, Niki Lauda's passion for racing began at a young age.
He started his racing career in Formula Vee in 1968 and quickly moved up the ranks.
In 1971, he joined the March team in Formula One, making his debut at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Success and Tragedy:

Lauda achieved his first Grand Prix victory in 1974 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
He won his first Formula One World Championship in 1975 with the Ferrari team.
In 1976, Lauda suffered a horrific crash at the German Grand Prix, resulting in severe burns and injuries.
Despite the accident, he made a miraculous recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later.

Comeback and Triumph:

In 1977, Lauda won his second Formula One World Championship with Ferrari.
He joined the Brabham team in 1978 and secured his third and final World Championship in 1984.
Lauda retired from Formula One in 1985.

Aviation Career:

After retiring from racing, Lauda founded Lauda Air, an airline based in Austria.
He later sold the airline to Austrian Airlines and became a consultant for the company.
Lauda was also involved in several other business ventures, including a partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

Legacy and Death:

Additional Information:

Lauda was a vocal critic of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, calling it "the most dangerous track in the world."
He was also a close friend and mentor to Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.
Lauda's life story was the subject of the 2013 biographical film "Rush."