Niki Lauda

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.