The Formula 1 world is celebrating the birth anniversary of Niki Lauda, the Austrian racing titan whose fearless spirit and unmatched grit earned him three world championships. A trailblazer in motorsport history, Lauda held the record for most podium finishes (54) upon retiring in 1985 and remains the only driver to clinch titles with both Ferrari and McLaren. Though he passed in 2019, his legacy burns brighter than ever, with current F1 stars and teams uniting to honor the man who redefined resilience.
Toto Wolff and George Russell Share Heartfelt Memories
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and driver George Russell led the flood of tributes, peeling back the curtain on personal moments defining Niki Lauda’s impact. According to Wolff, Lauda was more than just a colleague—he was his confidant. Reflecting on their bond, Wolff revealed: “Niki would never complain. He just got on with things. He had tremendous resilience… I was lucky to call him one of my best friends. We spent endless hours on the airplane, and he was super helpful to our success.”
One memory stood out: A flight from Suzuka, where Lauda—known for his stoicism—softened. “He said he had no friends… but if there was such a thing as half friend, then I was it,” Wolff added. “It meant we were friends.” Meanwhile, George Russell recounted a lighter side of the legend. At his 2017 debut with Mercedes in Baku, Lauda disarmed the rookie with unexpected warmth. “He invited me to a concert... and we just danced the night away… There were so many laughs. Experiencing something like this with someone I looked up to as a kid was surreal.” Russell, whose career Lauda once championed, marveled at Lauda’s humility: “He was so down to earth. He enjoyed the things we all enjoy.”
Niki Lauda’s Immortal Legacy: From Racetracks to Red Caps
Niki Lauda’s story is etched in F1 lore: A 1976 comeback six weeks after near-fatal burns, three titles across rival teams, and his pivotal role in Mercedes’ dominance. Serving as non-executive chairman, he was key to persuading Lewis Hamilton to join the team, which cemented their modern-era supremacy. To honor Lauda, Mercedes has ensured his spirit endures: A permanent red star adorns their cars—a nod to Lauda’s iconic red cap—while “Lauda Drive” now marks the road to their Brackley HQ. His locker remains untouched, standing as a silent tribute within the garage.
Why Lauda Still Resonates
Beyond the stats and accolades, Niki Lauda’s legacy thrives within the hearts of those he touched. To Wolff, he was the “sparring partner” who sharpened Mercedes’ competitive edge. For Russell, he was the mentor who enjoyed life like no one was watching. For fans, he remains the embodiment of courage—a man who stared death down and raced back to glory. With the F1 community raising a collective toast today, one truth echoes: Niki Lauda wasn’t just a champion. He was Formula 1’s unbreakable soul.