Niki Lauda was an Austrian Formula One driver and aviation entrepreneur. He won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship three times (1975, 1977, 1984), a record that made him the only driver to achieve this for both Ferrari and McLaren, the sport's top constructors.
1959: Jack Brabham's Consecutive Championships
Jack Brabham achieved consecutive Formula One World Championship victories in 1959 and 1960, a feat that Niki Lauda seemed poised to replicate in the mid-1970s.
1960: Jack Brabham's Consecutive Championships
Jack Brabham achieved consecutive Formula One World Championship victories in 1959 and 1960, a feat that Niki Lauda seemed poised to replicate in the mid-1970s.
1963: Jim Clark's Record-Breaking Season
Jim Clark set a record for most race wins in a Formula One season in 1963, a record that Niki Lauda appeared likely to surpass in the 1976 season before his accident.
1971: Entry into Formula Racing Despite Family Disapproval
Against his family's wishes, Niki Lauda pursued his passion for racing. Starting with a Mini, he progressed to Formula Vee and then to driving private Porsche and Chevron sports cars. Facing financial obstacles, he took out a significant bank loan to secure a position as a Formula Two driver for the March team in 1971. This decision led to a rift with his family.
1972: Ferrari's Win Drought
Ferrari endured a winless streak in Formula One racing that lasted until Niki Lauda's victory in the 1974 Spanish Grand Prix.
1972: Formula One and Two with March
Lauda raced in Formula One and Formula Two for March in 1972. Despite showing promise with his driving skills, the team faced major setbacks during the Formula One season, leading to disappointing results.
1973: Ferrari's Resurgence
Ferrari experienced a resurgence in 1973 after a difficult period, reorganizing under the leadership of Luca di Montezemolo.
1973: Joining BRM and Attracting Ferrari's Attention
In 1973, Niki Lauda joined the BRM team. He displayed his speed and talent despite the team's struggles with reliability. His performance at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he was running third before a gearbox issue, caught the eye of Enzo Ferrari.
1973: Lauda's Fourth 12-cylinder Engine
The 1979 Alfa Romeo V12 marked the fourth 12-cylinder engine Lauda had used in Formula One since 1973.
1974: Start of Ferrari Racing Suit Era
Niki Lauda's iconic association with the Ferrari racing suit began in 1974, marking the start of a period where he would become synonymous with the team's iconic red attire.
1974: Strong Debut Season with Ferrari
Niki Lauda had an impressive debut season with Ferrari in 1974, finishing second in his first race and securing his first Grand Prix victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite facing some setbacks due to inexperience and mechanical issues, he finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship and showed great dedication to improving the car.
1974: Signing with Ferrari
Following a recommendation from his former teammate Clay Regazzoni, Niki Lauda was signed by Ferrari in 1974. This move marked a significant turning point in his career.
1975: Tensions within Ferrari
Despite Niki Lauda's success in the 1975 season, tensions arose between him and the Ferrari team management.
1975: Record for Most Pole Positions
Lauda set a record in 1975 for the most pole positions in a season, highlighting his speed and qualifying prowess. This record demonstrates his lasting impact on the sport.
1975: Rise to Stardom
Niki Lauda emerged as a star driver in Formula One after winning the 1975 World Championship.
1975: First Formula One World Championship
Niki Lauda won his first Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1975.
1975: Dominating the 1975 Season and Securing the Championship
Niki Lauda's 1975 Formula One season started slowly, but he quickly gained momentum, winning four out of five races with the new Ferrari 312T. His consistent performance earned him his first World Championship title after finishing third in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This victory also marked Ferrari's first Constructors' Championship in 11 years. Lauda's skills were evident in his record-breaking lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing it in under seven minutes.
1975: Publication of "The Art and Science of Grand Prix Driving"
Niki Lauda's first book, "The Art and Science of Grand Prix Driving," was published in 1975. The book provided readers with insights into the intricacies of Formula One racing from the perspective of a driver.
1975: End of Relationship with Mariella von Reininghaus
Niki Lauda's relationship with Mariella von Reininghaus ended in 1975.
August 1976: The Fiery Crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix
On August 1, 1976, during the second lap of the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Niki Lauda's Ferrari crashed, went off the track, hit an embankment, and burst into flames. Trapped inside the burning car, Lauda was severely burned and suffered lung damage from inhaling toxic fumes. Fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Brett Lunger, Guy Edwards, and Harald Ertl were among the first to reach the scene and helped extricate Lauda from the wreckage.
1976: Marriage to Marlene Knaus
Niki Lauda married Marlene Knaus in 1976.
1976: Near-Fatal Crash at Nürburgring
While leading the 1976 championship, Lauda was severely injured in a fiery crash at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Despite inhaling toxic fumes and suffering severe burns, he made a remarkable recovery and returned to racing just six weeks later.
1976: Intense Rivalry with James Hunt
The 1976 Formula One season witnessed an intense and widely followed rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, captivating audiences worldwide with their on-track battles and contrasting personalities.
1976: Severe Accident at Nürburgring
Niki Lauda experienced a severe accident at the Nürburgring race track in 1976, which resulted in significant injuries and had a lasting impact on his health.
1976: Adoption of Trademark Cap
Beginning in 1976, Niki Lauda became known for wearing his trademark cap, initially used to conceal the severe burns he sustained in the Nürburgring accident. This cap became an iconic part of his image.
1976: Dominant Start to the 1976 Season
Niki Lauda continued his winning streak into the 1976 Formula One season, dominating the early races and establishing a commanding lead in the championship standings.
1976: Lauda's Safety Concerns and the Nürburgring Boycott Attempt
Concerned about the safety standards at the Nürburgring circuit, Niki Lauda led a driver boycott of the 1976 German Grand Prix. He specifically highlighted the lack of adequate safety measures for such a long and challenging track. Despite his efforts, the majority of drivers voted against the boycott, and the race proceeded.
1977: Difficult Season with Ferrari
Despite winning the 1977 championship, Lauda had a difficult time. He clashed with teammate Reutemann, felt let down by Ferrari, and ultimately decided to leave the team.
1977: Second Formula One World Championship
Niki Lauda secured his second Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1977, driving for Ferrari.
1977: End of First Stint with Ferrari
Niki Lauda's first stint with Ferrari, during which he achieved significant success, came to an end in 1977.
1977: Tom Pryce's Fatal Accident
Tom Pryce, a Formula One driver, died in a racing accident at the 1977 South African Grand Prix.
1978: Release of "My Years With Ferrari"
In 1978, Niki Lauda released his second book, "My Years With Ferrari," detailing his experiences and insights from his time driving for the iconic Italian Formula One team.
1978: Ronnie Peterson's Fatal Accident
Ronnie Peterson, a Formula One driver, lost his life in a crash at the 1978 Italian Grand Prix.
1979: Retirement from Formula One and Founding Lauda Air
Following a challenging season, Lauda retired from Formula One in 1979 after the Canadian Grand Prix. He shifted his focus to running his newly founded charter airline, Lauda Air.
1979: Alfa Romeo Engine Troubles and Non-Championship Success
Lauda's 1979 season was impacted by the Alfa Romeo engine's incompatibility with ground effect designs, leading to retirements. However, he found success outside of the championship, winning the Dino Ferrari Grand Prix and three races in the BMW M1 Procar Championship.
1980: Patrick Depailler's Fatal Accident
Patrick Depailler, a Formula One driver, was killed in a testing accident in 1980.
1982: Return to Formula One with McLaren
After a break from racing, Niki Lauda returned to Formula One in 1982, joining the McLaren team.
1982: Keke Rosberg's Championship Win
Keke Rosberg's championship win in 1982 is a noteworthy event as he later succeeded Lauda at McLaren in 1986.
1982: Return to Formula One and Drivers' Strike
Lauda made a comeback to Formula One in 1982 with McLaren. He also spearheaded a drivers' strike, protesting against the restrictive Super Licence terms and advocating for drivers' rights.
1982: Return to McLaren and Helmet Design
Upon Niki Lauda's return to McLaren in 1982, he sported a white helmet featuring the red "L" logo of Lauda Air, replacing his name. This design incorporated branding from his personal sponsor, Parmalat.
1983: Helmet Design Change
In 1983, Niki Lauda reversed the colors on his helmet, going for a red base with white accents. This design choice was made to harken back to his earlier helmet designs.
1983: Transitional Year at McLaren
The 1983 season was a year of change for McLaren as they transitioned from Ford-Cosworth to TAG-Porsche engines. Lauda didn't secure a win this season.
1984: Third World Championship Title
Lauda achieved his third world championship title in 1984, narrowly beating teammate Alain Prost by half a point. This victory was particularly significant as he became the only Austrian to win the Austrian Grand Prix.
1984: Inaugural Australian Grand Prix
Lauda participated in the first Australian Grand Prix in 1984, demonstrating his involvement in a significant event in Formula One history.
1984: Third Formula One World Championship
Niki Lauda achieved his third Formula One World Drivers' Championship victory in 1984 while racing for McLaren.
1984: Publication of "The New Formula One: A Turbo Age"
Niki Lauda authored "The New Formula One: A Turbo Age," which was published in 1984. The book explored the evolving landscape of Formula One racing, particularly the rise of turbocharged engines.
1984: Third Championship Victory with McLaren
Niki Lauda won his third Formula One World Championship title in 1984, driving for McLaren, in a close battle with his teammate Alain Prost.
1985: End of Formula One Career
Niki Lauda concluded his Formula One career in 1985 after four seasons with McLaren.
1985: Final Year of Helmet Design
Niki Lauda continued to use the red and white helmet design throughout his final years in Formula One, with 1985 marking the last year of this particular design as he retired from racing.
1985: Last Grand Prix
The 1985 Australian Grand Prix, held in Adelaide, marked Lauda's final race in Formula One. Despite leading the race for a time, brake failure led to his retirement, concluding a remarkable career.
1985: Intense Rivalry with Prost
Lauda's rivalry with Prost throughout 1984 and 1985 pushed both drivers to their limits. It showcased the competitive spirit of the sport and Lauda's determination.
1985: Unfulfilled Agreement with Renault
Lauda had planned to join Renault for the 1985 season but ultimately remained with McLaren. This decision suggests ongoing considerations about his future in the sport.
1985: Return to Lauda Air and Consulting at Ferrari
Following his retirement from Formula One in 1985, Niki Lauda focused on running his airline, Lauda Air. Simultaneously, he took on a consulting role at Ferrari as part of Luca di Montezemolo's efforts to revitalize the team.
1985: Final Formula One Victory and Retirement Announcement
Lauda's final Formula One victory came at the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix. He announced his retirement later that season, marking the end of an era for the Austrian driver.
1986: Release of "Meine Story"
In 1986, Niki Lauda shared his personal story with the world through his book "Meine Story," which was also released as "To Hell and Back" in some markets. The book covered his life and career, including his experiences with the 1976 Nürburgring accident.
1986: Rosberg Joins McLaren
Keke Rosberg joined McLaren in 1986, taking over the seat previously occupied by Lauda.
1991: Divorce from Marlene Knaus
Niki Lauda and Marlene Knaus divorced in 1991, ending their 15-year marriage.
1992: Brief Relationship with Giovanna Amati
Following his divorce, Niki Lauda briefly dated racing driver Giovanna Amati in 1992.
1993: Return to Formula One in Managerial Role at Ferrari
Niki Lauda returned to Formula One in 1993, taking on a consulting role at Ferrari offered by Luca di Montezemolo. This marked a shift in his career from driver to management.
1993: Induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Niki Lauda's contributions to motorsports were formally recognized in 1993 when he was inducted into the prestigious International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
1996: Commences Commentary for Austrian and German Television
From 1996 onwards, Niki Lauda transitioned into a role as a commentator for Grands Prix, providing his insights and analysis for Austrian and German television on the RTL network.
1996: Publication of "Das dritte Leben"
Niki Lauda's fifth book, "Das dritte Leben" (The Third Life), was published in 1996.
1997: Kidney Transplant from Brother
Niki Lauda underwent a kidney transplant in 1997, with his brother generously donating a kidney to him.
1999: Sale of Lauda Air Shares
In 1999, Niki Lauda made the decision to sell his shares in Lauda Air to the majority partner, Austrian Airlines, marking a significant shift in his business ventures.
2000: M. Schumacher Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2000, M. Schumacher won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2001: Management of Jaguar Formula One Racing Team
Niki Lauda returned to Formula One in 2001, this time as the manager of the Jaguar Formula One racing team.
2001: M. Schumacher Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2001, M. Schumacher won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2001: Team Principal at Jaguar Formula One Team
In 2001, Niki Lauda assumed the position of team principal for the Jaguar Formula One team. However, the team's performance failed to meet expectations.
2002: M. Schumacher Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2002, M. Schumacher won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2002: Departure from Jaguar Formula One Racing Team
Niki Lauda's tenure as manager of the Jaguar Formula One racing team came to an end in 2002.
2002: Redundancy at Jaguar Formula One Team
Niki Lauda's time at Jaguar Formula One team ended in 2002 when he, along with 70 other key figures, was made redundant due to the team's lack of improvement.
2003: M. Schumacher Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2003, M. Schumacher won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2003: Establishment of Niki Airline
In late 2003, Niki Lauda embarked on a new airline venture, founding Niki. Similar to Lauda Air, Niki aimed to carve a space in the aviation industry.
2004: M. Schumacher Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2004, M. Schumacher won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2005: Kidney Transplant from Birgit Wetzinger
Birgit Wetzinger, Niki Lauda's wife, donated a kidney to him in 2005 after the kidney he had received from his brother in 1997 failed. This act of love and sacrifice highlighted the strength of their bond.
2005: F. Alonso Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2005, F. Alonso won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2005: Honored with an Austrian Postage Stamp
Niki Lauda's accomplishments were celebrated in 2005 when the Austrian post office issued a commemorative stamp in his honor, solidifying his status as an icon in Austria.
2006: F. Alonso Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2006, F. Alonso won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2007: K. Räikkönen Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2007, K. Räikkönen won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2008: Marriage to Birgit Wetzinger
In 2008, Niki Lauda married Birgit Wetzinger, a flight attendant who worked for his airline.
2008: Ranked on ESPN's "Top Drivers of All-Time" List
In 2008, American sports television network ESPN bestowed upon Niki Lauda the 22nd spot on their prestigious "top drivers of all-time" list, cementing his legacy within the world of motorsports.
2008: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2008, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2008: BMW Procar Exhibition Race Win
Decades after his F1 career, Lauda won a BMW Procar exhibition race before the 2008 German Grand Prix, showcasing his enduring connection to motorsport.
September 2009: Birth of Twins, Max and Mia
In September 2009, Niki Lauda and his wife Birgit Wetzinger welcomed twins, Max and Mia, into their family.
2009: J. Button Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2009, J. Button won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2009: Reveals Sponsorship Deal for His Cap
In 2009, Niki Lauda revealed during an interview with German newspaper Die Zeit that he had a lucrative sponsorship agreement for the space on his iconic red cap, highlighting the commercial aspects associated with his image.
May 2010: Controversial Remark About Robert Kubica
In May 2010, while providing commentary at the Monaco Grand Prix, Niki Lauda faced criticism for making a controversial remark about driver Robert Kubica, referring to him with an ethnic slur. This incident sparked debate about his language and conduct.
2010: S. Vettel Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2010, S. Vettel won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2011: S. Vettel Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2011, S. Vettel won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2011: Merger of Niki with Air Berlin
Niki, the airline founded by Niki Lauda, merged with its major partner Air Berlin in 2011.
September 2012: Non-Executive Chairman at Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport
In September 2012, Niki Lauda was appointed as the non-executive chairman of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, signifying his return to a prominent role within Formula One.
2012: S. Vettel Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2012, S. Vettel won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2013: S. Vettel Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2013, S. Vettel won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2013: Instrumental in Signing Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes
Niki Lauda played a crucial role in negotiating and securing a three-year deal with Lewis Hamilton for the Mercedes team in 2013, which would prove to be a highly successful partnership.
2013: Portrayal in the Film "Rush"
The iconic rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt during the 1976 Formula One season was brought to the big screen in the biographical sports drama film "Rush," released in 2013. Actor Daniel Brühl portrayed Niki Lauda, earning a BAFTA Film Award nomination for his performance. Lauda himself even made a cameo appearance in the film.
2014: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2014, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2015: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2015, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2016: N. Rosberg Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2016, N. Rosberg won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2016: Takeover of Amira Air and Renaming to LaudaMotion
Niki Lauda continued his entrepreneurial journey in the aviation sector by taking over the chartered airline Amira Air in early 2016. Subsequently, he renamed the company to LaudaMotion.
2017: LaudaMotion Takes Over Niki Brand and Assets
Following the insolvency of Air Berlin in 2017, LaudaMotion acquired the Niki brand and assets. This strategic move occurred after an unsuccessful bid from both Lufthansa and IAG.
2017: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2017, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2018: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2018, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
May 2019: Death of Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda, a three-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion, passed away in May 2019.
May 2019: Passing of Niki Lauda
On May 20, 2019, at the age of 70, Niki Lauda passed away peacefully in his sleep at the University Hospital of Zürich. He had been undergoing kidney dialysis and his health had been declining, exacerbated by the lung injuries he sustained during the 1976 Nürburgring accident. He had undergone a double lung transplant the previous year and two kidney transplants in prior years.
2019: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2019, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2019: Tributes Paid at the Monaco Grand Prix
The 2019 Monaco Grand Prix became a poignant tribute to Niki Lauda, who had recently passed away. Current and former drivers, along with teams, took to social media and shared their condolences during the pre-race Wednesday press conference. A moment of silence was observed before the race to honor his memory. Fans and drivers donned red caps throughout the weekend, a nod to Lauda's iconic headwear, while the Mercedes team paid a special tribute by painting their halo device red with the message "Niki we miss you" instead of their usual silver. Additionally, the Haas VF-19's shark fin engine cover featured a red paint scheme with Lauda's name and the years of his birth and death. Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel both wore helmets dedicated to Lauda, and Hamilton's race victory became a particularly fitting tribute, as he dedicated it to the late racing legend.
2020: L. Hamilton Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2020, L. Hamilton won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2021: M. Verstappen Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2021, M. Verstappen won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2022: M. Verstappen Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2022, M. Verstappen won the Formula 1 World Championship.
2023: M. Verstappen Wins Formula 1 Championship
In 2023, M. Verstappen won the Formula 1 World Championship.