Niki Lauda

Date of Birth: February 22, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: May 20, 2019

Biography

Andreas Nikolaus “Niki” Lauda was an Austrian Formula One driver and aviation entrepreneur. He was born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria. Lauda is widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers in the history of the sport. He won three F1 World Drivers’ Championships for Ferrari (1975 and 1977) and McLaren (1984). Lauda’s career was marked by his remarkable comeback after a near-fatal crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix in Nürburgring, which left him with severe burns and injuries. Despite being given last rites, Lauda returned to racing just six weeks later, showcasing his extraordinary resilience and determination. After retiring from racing, Lauda founded and managed multiple airlines, including Lauda Air, Niki, and Lauda. He also held various managerial roles within Formula One teams, including a stint as a non-executive chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, where he played a crucial role in the team’s success in the 2010s. Lauda passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70.

5 Interesting Facts about Niki Lauda

1. Niki Lauda survived a horrific crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix, which left him with severe burns and lung damage.

2. He won his first World Championship in 1975 with Ferrari, and his last in 1984 with McLaren.

3. Lauda founded multiple airlines, including Lauda Air, which became one of Austria’s leading carriers.

4. He played a significant role in Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s dominance in the 2010s.

5. Lauda’s rivalry with British driver James Hunt was famously depicted in the 2013 film “Rush,” directed by Ron Howard.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Niki Lauda

1. “A lot of people criticize Formula One as an unnecessary risk. But what would life be like if we only did what is necessary?”

2. “I always go extreme for people who deserve it. I always go extreme for people who don’t.”

3. “From success, you learn absolutely nothing. From failure and setbacks, conclusions can be drawn. That goes for your private life as well as your career.”

4. “In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish.”

5. “I have always found the most important thing is to keep your mind occupied.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Niki Lauda’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 million.

Children

Niki Lauda had five children. He had two sons, Lukas and Mathias, with his first wife, Marlene Knaus. Mathias Lauda went on to become a racing driver as well. With his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, Lauda had twins, a son named Max and a daughter named Mia. He also had a son named Christoph from an extra-marital relationship.