Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda was an Austrian Formula One racing driver, three-time World Drivers’ Champion, aviation entrepreneur and widely considered one of the greatest drivers ever to grace Formula 1. Lauda won three consecutive world titles from 1975-1977 until his near fatal crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix threatened his life and nearly ended it altogether; following retirement he went on to establish himself as an aviation entrepreneur; passing away 20 May 2019 aged 70 years.

Niki Lauda had an illustrious two-decade racing career. Beginning his professional racing career with March F1 team in 1971 and winning his inaugural Grand Prix race at Spain Grand Prix 1974; becoming youngest ever F1 World Champion that same year at 25. Lauda competed for teams such as Ferrari, McLaren and Brabham over his long career, winning three Formula One World Championships (1975, 1977 and 1984). As well as his racing achievements, he was also an innovator within motorsport – introducing safety measures that improved driver safety and helped shape modern-day motorsport. Although he retired from racing in 1985, he continued his involvement as a consultant and mentor until his death in 2019.

Niki Lauda won three Formula One world championships – in 1975, 1977 and 1984.

Niki Lauda in his Ferrari following the 1976 German Grand Prix accident is an iconic image of resilience and perseverance. On August 1, 1976 during the German Grand Prix at Nurburgring, Lauda’s car ran off track and burst into flames, creating a devastating accident scene that made headlines around the world. Lauda was quickly enveloped by flames and suffered extensive burns to both his head and lungs, but he was pulled out by fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Guy Edwards, Brett Lunger, and Harald Ertl – risking their own lives to save Lauda. Lauda managed to return to racing just six weeks after his injuries had healed, in time for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. One photograph taken shortly after this race shows him still wearing bandages on both hands while sitting determinedly in his Ferrari cockpit – an image which has become a lasting reminder of courage and strength in times of adversity.

Niki Lauda became an extremely successful Formula One racing driver due to his incredible determination, focus, and ambition. An ardent worker, Niki pushed himself hard toward reaching his goals with persistence. He always had one clear objective in mind and worked relentlessly toward its fulfillment. His technical knowledge of cars was unparalleled, enabling him to make quick decisions on the track and exploit every advantage available in his car. He was widely respected for his courage and resilience; even after suffering severe injuries in an accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, he made a remarkable recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later – qualities which cemented his place among history’s great Formula One drivers.

Niki Lauda, best known for his Formula One racing achievements, has also achieved success outside of racing. He holds executive positions at various airlines and currently serves as non-executive chairman of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. Lauda owns two charter airlines-Laudamotion and Amira Air-along with former consultant roles at Scuderia Ferrari; additionally he founded his own airline “Niki” in 2003 as an accomplished businessman/investor; in addition to these efforts Lauda has become an accomplished commentator on Austrian television and radio programs as well as authoring books about his life/career journeys!

Niki Lauda’s accident at the Nurburgring in 1976 had an enormous effect on both his career and life afterwards. Following this collision, he suffered extensive burns while inhaling toxic gases which damaged his lungs resulting in permanent scarring to both face and body, spending six weeks in intensive care before almost succumbing to death.
This crash forced him to miss two races while recovering, and when he resumed racing he needed a special helmet designed to protect his burns. Additionally, it forced him to reevaluate his life choices in order to ensure such tragedies wouldn’t recur.
Lauda continued his career after the accident, though not without some setbacks: during 1977 season Lauda suffered from exhaustion caused by pushing himself too hard following his crash; nonetheless he went on to win Formula One Driver’s Championship twice more – in 1977 and 1984.
Lauda was inspired by his brush with death to live life fully and take risks in pursuit of success, marrying again at age 60 proving there are no age barriers when it comes to love. Additionally, Lauda became an aviation entrepreneur later in life, founding two airlines (Lauda Air in 1985 and Niki in 2003).
Lauda’s accident fundamentally altered his perspective of life; while some physical abilities were taken from him, it also gave him strength and courage that enabled him to achieve greatness throughout his career.

Yes, Niki Lauda was actively engaged in numerous charities and philanthropic initiatives during his life. He served as patron for Austrian charity Wings for Life which helps those with spinal cord injuries; supported Special Olympics; donated money to SOS Children’s Villages, UNICEF and Caritas; used his profile to bring attention to causes he believed in; such as raising climate change awareness.

Since his passing in 2019, Niki Lauda’s legacy has been honored and remembered throughout Formula 1. Lauda was widely revered within motorsport, remembered for both his on and off track achievements. His courage, determination, and spirit have become iconic and remain an example for generations of racers to come. During his lifetime he won three world championships as a racer himself while becoming an accomplished team manager and airline owner/operator; additionally he served as a consultant to Ferrari. After Lauda’s passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the globe; former rivals as well as fans remembered his incredible career with praise. At the 2019 FIA Gala Awards, Lauda was recognized with the Gold Medal for Motor Sport to acknowledge his incredible contribution. Niki Lauda will always be remembered as one of F1 history’s great drivers and an icon of motor racing.

Yes, several films, books, and media outlets have been inspired by Niki Lauda’s life and career. Perhaps most notably is Daniel Bruhl’s performance as Lauda in 2013’s biopic Rush; other movies about Lauda include Lauda: The Untold Story (2015) and 1: Life on the Limit (2013) as well as Lauda’s autobiographies “To Hell and Back” (2003) and “My Years with Ferrari” (1986) which can also be found here as well as documentaries about Lauda such as “Niki Lauda – His Fight for Life’ (2006)”, “The Flying Finn: The Story of Niki Lauda 2010”, and more recently “Niki Lauda – All or Nothing 2016”.

Niki Lauda had an immense and far-reaching effect on modern Formula One racing. Lauda pioneered the use of technology to enhance safety standards. After his near fatal accident in 1976, Lauda advocated for improved measures such as fireproof clothing for drivers, full-face helmets and the implementation of medical teams at race circuits; these measures have now become standard practice and saved numerous lives.
Lauda set an inspiring example with his competitive spirit and determination, setting an example that all other drivers in the sport followed. After being involved in an accident he returned six weeks later to finish fourth at the German Grand Prix – showing that no matter what obstacles may come your way you should always strive to do your best and always push beyond previous limits. Many modern day drivers use Lauda’s example as motivation to push themselves further than ever before.
Lauda was also an outspoken advocate for driver welfare, advocating for improved working conditions and higher salaries within F1. These efforts have paid dividends as the commercialization of F1 has caused F1 salaries to skyrocket; his legacy will live on in F1 racing for years to come.