RN365 Podcast Verstappen denial as Alpine leak sparks intrigue
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.

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
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
Red Bull sign new partner as Hamilton reunites with key ally - RacingNews365 Review
0
Lewis Hamilton makes iconic first appearance in Ferrari red
0
Throwback
Wild driver loses F1 licence after scary incident
0
Legendary McLaren Senna set to land eye-watering seven-figure sum at auction
0
Interview
Lindblad responds to Red Bull ‘big dogs’ praise
0
Perez compared to three F1 champions as remarkable return mooted
0
Poll: Who will emerge on top in F1's most intriguing team-mate battle?
0
Red Bull announce significant F1 deal with exclusive partner
0
Red Bull closing in on $150 million sponsor replacement
0
Hamilton brings back vital ally in bid for eighth F1 title with Ferrari
0
 More news

F1 standings 2025

Full standings

F1 calendar 2025

Race Date
aus
Australian Albert Park
16 Mar
chn
Chinese Shanghai International Circuit
23 Mar
jpn
Japanese Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
bhr
Bahrain Bahrain International Circuit
13 Apr
sau
Saudi Arabian Jeddah Street Circuit
20 Apr
Full calendar

Bezoek RacingNews365.nl

En lees het laatste F1 nieuws in het Nederlands!

Naar RacingNews365.nl Niet meer tonen
x
LATEST Red Bull closing in on $150 million sponsor replacement