Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda was an Austrian racing driver and three-time World Champion, taking titles in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and in 1984 with McLaren. He is remembered as much for his analytical mind and business acumen as for his raw speed.

Lauda survived a near-fatal, fiery crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, returning to racing just six weeks later in one of sport's most remarkable comebacks. His rivalry with James Hunt that season was later dramatised in the film "Rush".

After retiring he founded two airlines and returned to Formula 1 in a management role, most notably as non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team during its championship-winning era. He passed away in 2019.