On this day - in 2019 - one of the best legends of F1 died. Niki Lauda was a legendary figure in Formula One, known not only for his driving skills, but also for his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Born in Vienna, Austria in 1949, Lauda began his career in motorsport in the late 1960s, racing in Formula Vee and Formula 3 before making his way to Formula One in 1971.
Lauda's first few years in Formula One were somewhat rocky, with his first podium finish coming in 1973 and his first win in 1974. It wasn't until 1975 that he truly broke through, winning his first World Championship with Ferrari. This success was followed by another championship win in 1977, cementing Lauda's status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
However, it was the 1976 season that truly defined Lauda's legacy in Formula One. In a heated rivalry with McLaren driver James Hunt, Lauda suffered a horrific crash at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. He was badly burned and suffered severe lung damage, but incredibly, just six weeks later, he was back on the track, wearing a specially designed helmet to protect his healing wounds.
Lauda's return to racing so soon after his accident was a testament to his unyielding spirit and dedication to the sport. Despite his injuries, he finished fourth at the Italian Grand Prix and won the final race of the season in Japan, ultimately losing the championship to Hunt by just one point.
Lauda's performance in the 1976 season was remarkable, and it earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow drivers alike. It was also a turning point for safety in Formula One. Lauda was vocal about the need for better safety standards in the sport, and his accident spurred significant changes in the way that Formula One was run. Today, safety is a top priority in the sport, and Lauda's legacy in this area continues to be felt.
In the years that followed, Lauda continued to race and win, adding another championship to his resume in 1984. He retired from driving in 1985 but remained involved in Formula One as a team owner and advisor. He was also an advocate for environmental sustainability, encouraging teams and drivers to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
Lauda's impact on the sport of Formula One extended far beyond his driving skills and achievements. He was a trailblazer in the world of motorsport, setting an example of perseverance, determination, and professionalism that continues to inspire drivers and fans alike.
Lauda's dedication to safety in Formula One was particularly noteworthy. He understood the risks of the sport but believed that those risks could be minimized through proper safety protocols and equipment. After his accident, he worked closely with the sport's governing body to make significant changes to safety standards, including the implementation of fire-resistant clothing, improved crash barriers, and better medical facilities at racetracks.
Lauda's advocacy for safety in Formula One saved countless lives and helped to transform the sport into the safer, more accessible form of racing that we know today. His influence in this area continues to be felt, with modern drivers citing his example as an inspiration for their own dedication to safety.
In addition to his impact on safety, Lauda was also a driving force for environmental sustainability in Formula One. He even started his own airline, Lauda Air, which was the first airline to offset its carbon emissions. Lauda's commitment to environmental sustainability helped to raise awareness about the impact of the sport on the planet and inspired others in the industry to take action.
A big star and legacy of Formula One. His impact on the world, not just F1, is unbelievable! I wrote this article to celebrate his legacy and I'm dedicating this article to his family.
Till next time,
Natalie Kika
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