Description:
(Three-Time Formula One World Drivers' Champion)
Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda who was nicknamed ‘the rat’, later the ‘SuperRat’ and finally the ‘King Rat’ was an Austrian Formula One driver. He was a three time ‘F1 World Champion’ and till date he is he only champion driver of the two most popular and prosperous sports constructors - the ‘McLaren’ and the ‘Ferrari’. He met with a severe accident during the ‘German Grand Prix’ in 1976 when his Ferrari swerved off the track and after hitting an embankment skidded back in the path bursting into flames. Trapped in the wreckage, he inhaled toxic gases and endured severe burns. Although he made a comeback with the ‘Italian Grand Prix’ race after six weeks, his injuries left him with permanent scars. As an aviation entrepreneur he set up and ran the airlines, ‘Niki’ and ‘Lauda Air’ and was the brand ambassador of ‘Bombardier Business Aircraft’. For two years he served the ‘Jaguar’ Formula One racing team as its team manager and remained a consultant for Scuderia Ferrari. Niki Lauda was also associated with the ‘Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’ as a non-executive chairman. During the ‘Grand Prix’ weekends he worked as a commentator for the ‘German TV’.
Birthday
February 22, 1949 (Pisces)
Born In
Austria
Alternative names
Andreas Nikolaus Lauda
City
Vienna, Austria
Died on
May 20, 2019
Spouse/Ex-
Birgit Wetzinger, Marlene Knaus
Parents
Ernst-Peter Lauda
Elisabeth Lauda
Children
Christoph Lauda, Lucas Lauda, Mathias Lauda, Max Lauda, Mia Lauda
What was Niki Lauda's involvement in Formula 1 racing?
Niki Lauda was a legendary Formula 1 driver who won the World Championship three times in 1975, 1977, and 1984. He is best known for his rivalry with James Hunt, as depicted in the movie "Rush."
How did Niki Lauda overcome a near-fatal accident in 1976?
Niki Lauda suffered severe burns in a crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix. Despite being given the last rites, he made a miraculous recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later.
What was Niki Lauda's role in the aviation industry?
After retiring from racing, Niki Lauda founded Lauda Air, an Austrian airline. He was actively involved in the aviation industry and had a successful career as an entrepreneur.
How did Niki Lauda contribute to Mercedes' success in Formula 1?
Niki Lauda served as a non-executive chairman of the Mercedes F1 team and played a key role in their dominance in recent years. His experience and expertise were instrumental in shaping the team's strategy and success.
What was Niki Lauda's approach to life and racing philosophy?
Niki Lauda was known for his no-nonsense attitude and determination. He believed in hard work, dedication, and precision, which were reflected in his approach to both racing and life.
