Who is Niki Lauda’s ex-wife? All About Marlene Knaus

When people talk about the golden era of Formula 1 racing, the name Niki Lauda often comes up. He was a legend, a three-time world champion known for his incredible skill, determination, and remarkable comeback after a near-fatal crash. But behind many great figures, there are important people whose stories are less often told. One such person is Marlene Knaus, Niki Lauda’s first wife.

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Meet Marlene Knaus

Marlene Knaus, believed to have been born in 1956, is an Austrian woman who initially gained attention as a model and socialite. Even before meeting Niki Lauda, Marlene had her own distinct presence.

Sources often describe her as having a background in modeling and photography, showcasing her creative side. She possessed a unique style and elegance that made her stand out. While much of her early life remains private, it’s clear she moved in circles where she would eventually cross paths with the rising star of Formula 1.

She wasn’t just someone who married into fame; she had her own identity and allure that captivated those around her, including Niki Lauda.

A Whirlwind Romance in the World of F1

The 1970s were a thrilling time for Formula 1. It was a world filled with speed, danger, glamour, and big personalities. It was in this exciting environment that Marlene Knaus met Andreas Nikolaus “Niki” Lauda.

Reports suggest they met sometime in the early to mid-1970s, possibly introduced by mutual friends like the actor Curt Jürgens at a dinner party. Niki was quickly establishing himself as a formidable force in racing with Ferrari, and Marlene was a captivating figure known for her beauty and style.

Their relationship blossomed amidst the high-octane world of Grand Prix racing. Niki was known for his focused, no-nonsense approach to racing, while Marlene brought a touch of elegance and sophistication.

They became one of the paddock’s most talked-about couples. Their connection was strong, leading them towards a more permanent commitment as Niki’s career reached new heights.

Marriage in the Fast Lane (1976)

In 1976, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda decided to get married. This was a significant year for Niki; he was the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, having won his first title with Ferrari in 1975, and was fiercely defending it. Their marriage took place relatively quickly and quietly, away from the media frenzy that often surrounded high-profile figures.

Life as the wife of a top Formula 1 driver in the 1970s was unlike any other. It involved travelling the world, attending glamorous events, and being part of an exclusive, adrenaline-fueled community.

However, it also meant living with constant worry. Racing was incredibly dangerous back then, and the risks drivers took every time they got into the car were immense. Marlene experienced both the highs of Niki’s successes and the ever-present tension that came with his perilous profession.

Trial by Fire: The 1976 Nürburgring Crash

The year 1976 would test Marlene and Niki’s bond in the most harrowing way possible. On August 1st, during the German Grand Prix at the treacherous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit, Niki Lauda suffered a horrific accident.

His Ferrari crashed, burst into flames, and he was trapped in the burning wreckage. He suffered severe burns, particularly to his head, and inhaled toxic fumes that dangerously damaged his lungs.

Marlene rushed to be by his side. Niki’s injuries were life-threatening, and doctors feared the worst. During this incredibly difficult time, Marlene was a pillar of strength.

She stayed with him throughout his painful recovery, offering unwavering support. Niki’s fight for survival was miraculous, matched only by his determination to return to racing.

Just six weeks after the accident, in an astonishing display of courage, Niki Lauda was back in his Ferrari cockpit for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, his burns still bandaged. Marlene was there, witnessing his unbelievable comeback.

This period undoubtedly forged an even deeper connection between them, built on resilience and mutual support during the darkest of times. Her presence was crucial in helping him regain his confidence, and she often accompanied him during his recovery, including trips to Ibiza, an island that would become special to them.

Building a Family: Lukas and Mathias Lauda

Despite the pressures and dangers of Niki’s career, the couple built a family together. They welcomed two sons into the world. Their first son, Lukas, was born in 1979. Lukas would later follow a path connected to motorsport, not as a driver, but as a manager, notably managing his younger brother.

Their second son, Mathias, was born in 1981. Perhaps influenced by his father’s legendary career, Mathias Lauda pursued a career in professional racing himself.

He competed in various series, including GP2, DTM, and importantly, the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he achieved significant success, becoming a GTE-Am class champion in 2017 driving for Aston Martin Racing.

Marlene thus became the mother of two boys who would both find their way into the world Niki Lauda dominated, continuing the family’s connection to motorsport.

A Touch of Glamour

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Marlene Knaus was a regular presence in the Formula 1 paddock alongside Niki. She became known for her impeccable fashion sense and effortless elegance.

At a time when the F1 world was becoming increasingly visible globally, Marlene stood out. Photographs from the era often show her looking chic and composed, whether trackside, in the pits, or at related events.

She wasn’t just the wife of a champion; she was seen as a style icon in her own right within the racing community. Her presence added a touch of glamour to the often gritty and intense atmosphere of Grand Prix weekends. Her style reflected the fashion of the times but always with a personal flair that was distinctly hers. She navigated the public aspects of her role with grace, supporting Niki while maintaining her own poised identity.

Navigating Life Beyond the Track

While the racetrack was a major part of their lives, Marlene and Niki also built a life away from it. Marlene played a key role in introducing Niki to the Spanish island of Ibiza. Her mother reportedly lived there, and the island became a cherished retreat for the Lauda family.

Niki grew to love Ibiza deeply, finding it a place of peace and recovery, especially after his accident. He eventually established a home there, a connection that began thanks to Marlene.

Balancing the demands of Niki’s high-profile career, raising their two sons, and maintaining some semblance of normal family life required considerable effort, a role Marlene managed with quiet strength.

An Amicable Parting: The Divorce (1991)

After 15 years of marriage, a period that covered the majority of Niki’s F1 racing career including his second and third world titles (1977 with Ferrari, 1984 with McLaren), Niki and Marlene Knaus decided to divorce in 1991. Divorces, especially those involving public figures, can often be contentious, but by all accounts, Niki and Marlene’s separation was amicable.

They seemed determined to maintain a positive relationship, likely for the sake of their sons, Lukas and Mathias. There was no public drama or bitterness reported, which speaks volumes about their mutual respect.

They had shared incredible highs and profound lows, forging a bond that, while changing form, seemed to endure beyond their marriage. Niki himself sometimes spoke of the good relationship they maintained after the split.

Choosing Privacy

Following the divorce, Marlene Knaus made a conscious decision to step away from the public eye. While Niki Lauda remained a very public figure through his airline businesses (Lauda Air, Niki, LaudaMotion) and later his prominent role with the Mercedes F1 team, Marlene chose a different path. She valued her privacy immensely and successfully managed to live her life largely away from media attention.

She is widely believed to have continued residing primarily in Ibiza, the island she loved and introduced to Niki. She rarely made public appearances and gave no interviews, cultivating a quiet and private existence.

This deliberate withdrawal highlights her desire to live life on her own terms, away from the glare of fame that had accompanied her marriage to one of motorsport’s biggest stars. Her choice commands respect, demonstrating a commitment to personal peace over public recognition.

A Lasting Bond

Despite their divorce and Niki Lauda’s subsequent marriage to Birgit Wetzinger in 2008 (with whom he had twins, Max and Mia), Marlene and Niki appeared to maintain a respectful and friendly relationship. This was most poignantly demonstrated after Niki Lauda’s passing in May 2019.

At his funeral service held at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Marlene Knaus was present to pay her respects. She attended alongside their sons, Lukas and Mathias, and Niki’s widow, Birgit Lauda, and their children.

Pictures from the event show the families together, united in mourning the loss of a husband, father, and global icon. Marlene’s presence alongside Birgit and all of Niki’s children underscored the sense of a blended family united by respect and shared history, confirming the reports of an amicable post-divorce relationship.

Remembering Niki Lauda

To fully appreciate Marlene Knaus’s story, it helps to remember the stature of the man she shared a significant part of her life with. Niki Lauda (1949-2019) was not just a racing driver; he was an icon of resilience. He won the F1 World Championship three times (1975, 1977, 1984) and is the only driver in history to win titles for both Ferrari and McLaren, the sport’s most prestigious teams.

His 1976 crash at the Nürburgring and his astonishingly rapid return to racing just weeks later became one of the most legendary stories in sporting history. Beyond racing, he was a successful entrepreneur, founding multiple airlines.

In his later years, he played a crucial non-executive role at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, instrumental in their period of dominance and in bringing Lewis Hamilton to the team. Niki Lauda was known for his blunt honesty, sharp intellect, and incredible determination – qualities that defined both his racing and business careers.