Niki Lauda

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This biography offers an in-depth look at the life of Formula One legend Nick Lauda, penned by Maurice Hamilton, who knew him for over forty years. It chronicles Lauda's storied career, from his fierce rivalry with James Hunt in the 1970s, famously portrayed in the film Rush, to his later collaboration with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, highlighting how Lauda's influence shaped modern F1. Lauda first became world champion in 1975 while driving for Ferrari and aimed to defend his title in 1976. However, a catastrophic crash at the Nurburgring on August 1 left him severely injured, and he was given last rites in the hospital. Remarkably, he returned to racing just six weeks later, showcasing his determination. As the season concluded in Japan, Lauda, holding a slim championship lead, withdrew from the race due to treacherous weather, allowing Hunt to claim the title. Lauda later won championships in 1977 and 1984 after a brief retirement. Beyond driving, he established his own airline and returned to F1 in management roles, notably as chairman of Mercedes, where he played a key role in bringing Hamilton to the team. This tribute, based on interviews with those close to Lauda, captures the essence of a remarkable individual who passed away in May 2019 at seventy.