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Niki Lauda
The Biography
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Niki Lauda
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The most comprehensive biography of Formula One legend Niki Lauda ever published, written with the full support of his family
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Description
Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Prize 2020
'The definitive biography of a racing driver who won three World Championship titles' — Matt Dickinson, The Times, Sports Books of the Year
'Thoroughly gripping...a fitting tribute' — Justin Marozzi, Sunday Times
Niki Lauda by Maurice Hamilton is a riveting tale of one of Formula One's most enduring legends. This comprehensive biography captures the life of Niki Lauda, from his early beginnings to his rise as a three-time World Champion and beyond. Hamilton's portrayal seizes the essence of a skilled driver whose career spanned decades, defined by unyielding courage, resilience, and an indomitable spirit both on and off the track. Niki Lauda’s story is one of epic highs and harrowing lows. One of his most infamous moments came in 1976, during his fierce rivalry with James Hunt, a partnership immortalised in the film Rush. The year of high-octane drama peaked with a near-fatal crash at the notorious Nürburgring, leaving Lauda with severe burns and facing death. Yet, remarkably, just six weeks after the accident, Lauda returned to the driver’s seat of his Ferrari at Monza, determined to defend his title. Jackie Stewart proclaimed, "It was the most courageous thing I have ever witnessed in sport." The climax that year unfolded in Japan, where Lauda, incumbent leader of the World Championship by a slender margin, faced a heart-wrenching decision amidst perilous weather conditions. His and Hunt's nail-biting, cat-and-mouse chase for supremacy remains one of Formula One's most dramatic moments. Lauda's triumphs were not confined to recovering from catastrophe. He clinched the World Championship title again in 1977 and, following his return from retirement, achieved victory in 1984 with McLaren. When he finally hung up his racing helmet, Lauda's life took another dramatic turn as he ventured into aviation, founding his own airline. Tragedy struck once more when one of his aircraft crashed, leading to the loss of 223 lives. Despite this, Lauda displayed remarkable resilience, returning to Formula One in various managerial roles and playing a pivotal part in bringing Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. Throughout Niki Lauda, Maurice Hamilton draws on his long association with the legendary driver, which began in 1971. His narrative is enriched with insights from interviews with Lauda’s family, friends, rival drivers, and colleagues, offering an intimate look at the man behind the legend. This biography stands as a superb tribute to a brave, exceptionally talented, and dearly missed icon of motorsport.
'The definitive biography of a racing driver who won three World Championship titles' — Matt Dickinson, The Times, Sports Books of the Year
'Thoroughly gripping...a fitting tribute' — Justin Marozzi, Sunday Times
Niki Lauda by Maurice Hamilton is a riveting tale of one of Formula One's most enduring legends. This comprehensive biography captures the life of Niki Lauda, from his early beginnings to his rise as a three-time World Champion and beyond. Hamilton's portrayal seizes the essence of a skilled driver whose career spanned decades, defined by unyielding courage, resilience, and an indomitable spirit both on and off the track. Niki Lauda’s story is one of epic highs and harrowing lows. One of his most infamous moments came in 1976, during his fierce rivalry with James Hunt, a partnership immortalised in the film Rush. The year of high-octane drama peaked with a near-fatal crash at the notorious Nürburgring, leaving Lauda with severe burns and facing death. Yet, remarkably, just six weeks after the accident, Lauda returned to the driver’s seat of his Ferrari at Monza, determined to defend his title. Jackie Stewart proclaimed, "It was the most courageous thing I have ever witnessed in sport." The climax that year unfolded in Japan, where Lauda, incumbent leader of the World Championship by a slender margin, faced a heart-wrenching decision amidst perilous weather conditions. His and Hunt's nail-biting, cat-and-mouse chase for supremacy remains one of Formula One's most dramatic moments. Lauda's triumphs were not confined to recovering from catastrophe. He clinched the World Championship title again in 1977 and, following his return from retirement, achieved victory in 1984 with McLaren. When he finally hung up his racing helmet, Lauda's life took another dramatic turn as he ventured into aviation, founding his own airline. Tragedy struck once more when one of his aircraft crashed, leading to the loss of 223 lives. Despite this, Lauda displayed remarkable resilience, returning to Formula One in various managerial roles and playing a pivotal part in bringing Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. Throughout Niki Lauda, Maurice Hamilton draws on his long association with the legendary driver, which began in 1971. His narrative is enriched with insights from interviews with Lauda’s family, friends, rival drivers, and colleagues, offering an intimate look at the man behind the legend. This biography stands as a superb tribute to a brave, exceptionally talented, and dearly missed icon of motorsport.
Maurice Hamilton’s Niki Lauda is more than just a biography. It’s a celebration of a life that redefined the sports we love, a monument to an athlete whose legacy will be remembered forever. Through meticulously detailed accounts and evocative storytelling, readers are taken on a journey through the thrilling world of Formula One, experiencing firsthand the highs and lows, the triumph and tragedy of one of the greatest drivers of all time.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews describe Niki Lauda by Maurice Hamilton as a thoroughly gripping and engrossing biography that reveals a riveting and intelligent man beyond his racing career. The book is a fitting tribute, adding vivid colour and greater detail through less familiar period interviews. Expert analysis of car construction and Lauda’s singular character, with his amusing bluntness, offer something for both petrolheads and general readers to savour. Hamilton’s authoritative and compelling writing makes this biography highly recommended.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781471192043
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 May 2021
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Illustration: 16pp colour plates
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Maurice Hamilton is an award-winning motorsport journalist and broadcaster, who has worked at the Guardian, the Independent and, now, the Observer. He is the F1 summariser for BBC Radio Five Live and has written more than 25 books on the subject, having attended more than 500 Grands Prix in his career.
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