RN365 Podcast Max Verstappen chasing 'outrageous achievement' as F1 awaits Oscar Piastri bounce-back
Login

Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in

Niki Lauda The latest Formula 1 news about Niki Lauda

Possibly one of F1’s greatest ever characters, Niki Lauda overcame insurmountable odds in his quest to become a multiple world champion.

Lewis Hamilton unveils stunning Niki Lauda tribute helmet for Italian GP
Lewis Hamilton unveils stunning Niki Lauda tribute helmet for Italian GP
1
Verstappen 'direct' F1 approach reminds world champion of Lauda
Verstappen 'direct' F1 approach reminds world champion of Lauda
0
Lauda's 1976 German GP helmet to be auctioned
Lauda's 1976 German GP helmet to be auctioned
0
The Lauda link to F1's first track in Madrid
The Lauda link to F1's first track in Madrid
0
The 10 youngest World Champions in F1 history
The 10 youngest World Champions in F1 history
0
The last 10 pole-sitters and race winners at the Dutch GP
0
VIDEO: Onboard with Jean Alesi in Niki Lauda's Ferrari at Monaco
VIDEO: Onboard with Jean Alesi in Niki Lauda's Ferrari at Monaco
0

Taking a bank loan of £30,000 and feuding with his family in the process, Lauda was determined to make it into Formula 1. Using the loan secured against his life-insurance policy, Lauda bought his way into the March team in 1971. Though his performances were impressive, the March cars were not and the Austrian secured another bank loan to buy his way into the BRM team. Once again the poor reliability of the team cost Lauda and he was faced with the prospect of bankruptcy.

Luckily for him, Enzo Ferrari took an interest and eventually signed the Austrian, clearing his debts in the process on the recommendation of Lauda’s former teammate, Clay Regazzoni. Despite the perceived gamble Lauda was instantly quick in the Ferrari and secured the first of his championships in 1975, comfortably beating former world champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

The 1976 season however would be the one that defined Lauda’s career. Comfortably leading the championship going into Germany, Lauda would crash at the Nurburgring due to a suspension failure and the ensuing impact would cause his car to catch fire. Lauda barely survived the ordeal thanks to the efforts of his fellow competitors Harald Ertl, Brett Lunger, and Arturo Merzario.

Many assumed Lauda’s career was finished after he suffered severe burns and inhaled hot toxic ash that damaged his lungs, and he was even given his last rites at the hospital. Through sheer force of will, Lauda returned after missing just two races. Though he would go on to lose the championship to rival James Hunt, Lauda had immortalized himself not just in the sport but to the world at large.

The Austrian would go on to win two more titles in 1977 and 1984 before retiring at the conclusion of the 1985 season.

Outside his driving career, Lauda would go on to establish two airlines that would merge with other larger operations. He would also take on a non-executive chairman role with the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2012. He played a crucial part in convincing Lewis Hamilton to join the team and has played a significant part in the success the team is currently enjoying.

Lauda passed away in his sleep on May 20, 2019, with several teams and drivers displaying tributes in his honour at the ensuing Monaco Grand Prix.

Latest news
Fernando Alonso shares 'magical' Aston Martin turnaround verdict
0
Max Verstappen handed 'no chance' verdict without rain salvation
0
Yuki Tsunoda denies theory behind 'mysterious' sprint qualifying struggle
0
Max Verstappen delivered F1 title instruction as key Brazil opportunity highlighted
0
McLaren highlight 'privileged position' of stopping Max Verstappen dominance
0
Why Lewis Hamilton avoided a grid penalty in Brazil
0
Start time of 2025 F1 Brazilian GP - Sao Paulo Qualifying today
0
Start time of 2025 F1 Brazilian GP - Sao Paulo Sprint today
0
Start time of FIA WEC 2025 Bahrain 8 Hours today
0
Lewis Hamilton addresses Felipe Massa lawsuit as Alpine confirm second F1 2026 driver - RacingNews365 Review
0
 More news

F1 standings 2025

Full standings

F1 calendar 2025

Race Date
mex
Mexican Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
26 Oct
bra
Brazilian Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace Interlagos
9 Nov
usa
Las Vegas Las Vegas Street Circuit
23 Nov
qat
Qatar Losail International Circuit
30 Nov
are
Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit
7 Dec
Full calendar

Bezoek RacingNews365.nl

En lees het laatste F1 nieuws in het Nederlands!

Naar RacingNews365.nl Niet meer tonen
x
RESULTS 2025 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix - São Paulo Sprint Qualifying