Niki Lauda made his F1 debut with BRM in 1973, giving an early indication of his future potential. He moved on to Ferrari and helped to turn around the team. Lauda had a good run at the title in 1974 but failed, he came back with a vengeance in 1975 with the superb Ferrari 312T, to secure Ferrari's first title for 11 years at Monza. His near fatal fiery crash at the Nurburgring in 1976, despite an amazing recovery and comeback, cost him his second title, the winner being James Hunt. Lauda bounced back to take his 2nd title in 1977, again in a Ferrari, he then left the team to join Brabham After 2 years he left the team, having lost interest in the sport. He took a two year sabbatical, and came back with McLaren in 1982. By 1984 McLaren with turbocharged Porsche engines became all conquering, and Lauda snatched his 3rd title by just half a point from his team mate Alain Prost. Niki retired in 1985 having won one more race for the team.
Nationality - Austrian
Born 22 Feb 1949
First GP Austria 1971
Total GP's 171
Wins 25
Poles 24
Fastest laps 24
Total points 420
Teams
Brabham
BRM
Ferrari
March
McLaren
Claim to fame
Triple World Champion
1975, 77, 84
