Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda in cockpit Ferrary 312T, August 1975.
Niki Lauda in cockpit Ferrary 312T, August 1975. Photo by ©Schlegelmilch

Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda was born 22nd February 1949 in Vienna, Austria to a wealthy industrialist family. Is an Formula One driver and a three-time F1 World Drivers' Champion, winning in 1975, 1977 and 1984.

After a serious accident at the Nurburgring, where his car flew off the track, hit the barrage and caught fire, and Lauda's life was in grave danger, Niki only six weeks back in the race.

He is currently the only driver to have been champion for both Ferrari and McLaren, the sport's two most successful constructors. Currently working as a pundit for German TV during Grand Prix weekends and acts as non-executive chairman of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team.

The most important years in a racing career

Debut

Ferrary

First championship

Crash in Nurburgring

Second championship

Leave Formula 1

Comeback. McLaren

Third title

End of career