Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Niki Lauda was born Anton Josef Ketterer on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria. He is commonly known as "Niki" among his fans and peers.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 22, 1949
Died: May 20, 2019 (aged 70)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lauda was an Austrian professional racing driver who competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1985. He is best known for his association with Ferrari and McLaren.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Lauda's early life was marked by a strong passion for speed and competition. His father, Josef Ketterer, was a mechanic who owned a small garage where Niki would often help out. This exposure to the world of mechanics sparked an interest that would eventually lead him to become one of the most successful Formula One drivers in history.
Major Accomplishments
During his illustrious career, Lauda achieved numerous accolades:
Three-time Formula One World Champion: 1975, 1977, and 1984
20 Grand Prix wins out of a total of 192 starts
54 podium finishes, including 24 pole positionsNotable Works or Actions
Lauda's most notable achievements extend beyond his driving career:
Surviving a near-fatal crash: In 1976, Lauda suffered severe burns and injuries in a crash during the German Grand Prix. He made an incredible recovery and returned to racing just four weeks later.
Co-owning Brabham Racing Team: After retiring from driving, Lauda partnered with Bernie Ecclestone to co-own the Brabham Racing Team, helping to establish McLaren as a major force in Formula One.Impact and Legacy
Lauda's impact on the world of motorsport is immeasurable:
Pioneering spirit: He was one of the first drivers to wear helmets with visors and also popularized the use of protective clothing during racing.
Inspiring a generation: Lauda's determination, resilience, and passion for the sport have inspired countless young drivers around the world.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Niki Lauda is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Unwavering commitment to excellence: Throughout his career, he consistently pushed himself to be the best, even in the face of adversity.
* Humility and sportsmanship: Despite achieving great success, Lauda remained grounded and respectful towards his competitors.
His legacy extends far beyond the racing world, as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
Quotes by Niki Lauda
We have moved away from basic racing, where you see how the drivers fight with the cars to their physical limits and then make mistakes - or not.
The idea that people would work on themselves, who hadn't had an accident - I can't stand plastic surgery.
When, after the accident, I came out into the world and people looked at me, they were shocked. It upset me. I thought they were impolite not to hide their negative emotions about my look.
I fought my grandfather like you wouldn't believe. I went my own way and decided to become a racing driver. I don't think I would ever have fought as hard as I did if my grandfather had been a reasonable person.
One of the things that gave me most pleasure was a letter sent to me by Sebastian Vettel, written in his own hand, full of beautiful words and kindness. I wasn't expecting this; usually, drivers don't do this: they drive, and that's it. But he is a beautiful person.