Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda was an Austrian race-car driver who won three Formula One (F1) Grand Prix world championships and made a remarkable comeback after a horrific crash in 1976.
Auto Racing Driver
February 22, 1949
Pisces
May 21, 2019
70
Vienna, Austria
Born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, Niki Lauda was a renowned Austrian Formula One driver and entrepreneur. Despite his family’s disapproval, he pursued a career in racing and became one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history, winning three Formula One World Championships. His miraculous recovery from a near-fatal crash in 1976 further solidified his legendary status.
In addition to his racing career, Lauda founded two airlines, Lauda Air and NIKI, and held the position of non-executive chairman for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. He also worked as a television commentator for various Formula One races and authored several books about his life and experiences.
A lesser-known fact about Niki Lauda is that he remains the only driver to have won championships for both Ferrari and McLaren, two of the most successful teams in Formula One history. This accomplishment showcases his exceptional skill and adaptability as a driver.
Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70, marking the end of an era for Formula One. His inspiring legacy and captivating stories continue to enthral fans worldwide.