Having risen in triumph from the brink of death after a fiery crash, Niki Lauda’s life was one of almost biblical proportions that was given the Hollywood treatment in the blockbuster
The Austrian built his own legacy by defying not only death on the track, but also his family, employers and arch rivals along the way.
«I go my own way,» Lauda told CNN’s The Circuit in 2013.
«Thank God, I learned in sport, that there is no excuse. It’s very simple, if you’re first, second or third there’s no discussion.
«If something goes wrong, look into yourself first — what did I do wrong?
«I only see black and white, I have no gray areas and I hate them.
«I try to analyze, take the decision, even if it’s the wrong one, it’s better than making no decision because if you take no decision you never find out what you have to do. «
Maverick racer
Lauda was born into a wealthy Austrian family four years after the end of World War II, but despite growing up with privilege he learned quickly that he would have to make his own way in the world.
His family disapproved of their teenage son’s racing ambitions. When Lauda found an Austrian bank to sponsor his debut with the March F1 team, his grandfather — who happened to sit on the board of the bank — scotched the deal.
«He said, ‘No way! If this is my grandson, you will not sponsor him,’ » Lauda said.
«I really got upset with him and said, ‘Leave me alone, it is my own business.’ Then I started racing my own way.»
Lauda bankrolled his own way on to the F1 grid, making his debut in the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix for the uncompetitive March team.
His decision to take out further bank loans to finance his F1 career paid off at the end of 1973 when he was signed by Ferrari — but even this new era with the sport’s most iconic team saw Lauda continue to do things his way.
