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Homepage Formula 1 Niki Lauda Latest F1 news

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

Niki Lauda Latest F1 news

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VIDEO: Onboard with Jean Alesi in Niki Lauda's Ferrari at Monaco
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VIDEO: Onboard with Jean Alesi in Niki Lauda's Ferrari at Monaco

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.

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