Who is Marlene Knaus? All About Niki Lauda’s Ex-Wife

In the glittering world of Formula One, where legends are made on racetracks and stories unfold both on and off the asphalt, there are figures who quietly shape the narratives of champions. Among them is Marlene Knaus, the woman who stood by Niki Lauda during some of the most dramatic moments of his career. Though she often preferred to remain away from the spotlight, her life, influence, and story are deeply intertwined with that of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. Today, we take a closer look at Marlene Knaus her journey before and after Niki Lauda, her role as a partner, and the legacy she continues to hold in the world of Formula One history.

Quick Bio

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Marlene Knaus
Birth Year	1950s (exact date not publicly known)
Place of Birth	United States (later moved to Europe)
Nationality	Austrian-American
Known For	Ex-wife of Formula One legend Niki Lauda
Marriage	Married to Niki Lauda (1976 – 1991)
Children	Two sons – Lukas Lauda and Mathias Lauda
Profession	Former model and fashion personality
Style Recognition	Known for chic European elegance and effortless beauty
Life After Divorce	Lived privately, maintaining cordial ties with Niki Lauda
Connection to F1	Remembered for her role in supporting Lauda during critical career years
Current Status	Lives a quiet, private life away from the media spotlight

Early Life and Modeling Career

Marlene Knaus was born in the United States during the 1950s, though details about her early childhood remain scarce. What is known is that she gravitated toward Europe as a young woman, building a life and reputation in the fashion world. Before meeting Niki Lauda, she had already carved out her own identity as a model and socialite, admired for her striking looks, grace, and impeccable sense of style.

She quickly became a familiar face in European fashion circles, often spotted at elite events and gatherings. Her long, flowing hair and chic wardrobe made her something of a style icon during the 1970s, earning her attention far beyond modeling assignments. It was this glamorous lifestyle that eventually connected her to the world of motorsport and to the man who would later become her husband.

Meeting Niki Lauda

Marlene Knaus’s life changed dramatically when she met Niki Lauda, a rising star in Formula One who was on his way to becoming a three-time world champion. Their meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that captured the fascination of both the motorsport community and the general public.

What drew Lauda to Marlene was not only her beauty but also her strength and composure. Despite being surrounded by the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled world of racing, she exuded calm and sophistication. The pair soon became one of the most talked-about couples in European celebrity circles, embodying both glamour and resilience.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1976, Marlene Knaus married Niki Lauda at the height of his career. That year also happened to be one of the most dramatic in Formula One history, marked by Lauda’s near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring. Through this ordeal, Marlene’s unwavering presence by his side became a defining aspect of their marriage.

Together, the couple had two sons, Lukas and Mathias. While Lukas went on to work as a manager in motorsport, Mathias pursued a career as a professional racing driver, further cementing the family’s connection to the sport.

Despite the pressures of fame and the challenges of being married to a global sports icon, Marlene managed to provide a sense of stability at home. Her role as a mother and partner was vital, even if she did not seek the spotlight herself.

The 1976 Accident and Marlene’s Support

The story of Niki Lauda’s fiery crash in 1976 is legendary, not only because of his miraculous recovery but also because of the emotional strength required to endure it. Marlene Knaus stood firmly by his side during those dark days, providing the emotional anchor he needed.

While the world watched Lauda fight for his life and then astonishingly return to racing just six weeks later, Marlene quietly carried the weight of personal worry and responsibility. For many, this period symbolized her strength and loyalty, qualities that defined her role in Niki’s life.

Divorce and Life After Niki Lauda

After 15 years of marriage, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda divorced in 1991. Though the reasons behind their separation were never made public, the two maintained an amicable relationship. Marlene chose not to remarry and instead dedicated herself to raising her children and living a private, dignified life.

Even after the divorce, Marlene continued to be linked to Lauda in the public consciousness. She reportedly maintained a cordial relationship with him, and their shared devotion to their children kept them connected long after their marriage ended.

Unlike many who thrive on fame, Marlene avoided the limelight. She rarely gave interviews, attended few public events, and maintained a quiet lifestyle. This privacy added to her mystique, making her an even more intriguing figure to those who followed Lauda’s life story.

Relationship with Her Sons

One of the most important roles in Marlene Knaus’s life has been that of a mother. Her two sons, Lukas and Mathias, carried on their father’s legacy in different ways, but both acknowledge the grounding influence of their mother.

Lukas became closely involved in motorsport, notably managing his younger brother Mathias during his career. Mathias himself pursued racing, competing in various categories, though never reaching the heights of his father.

Through it all, Marlene provided steady support, instilling values of perseverance and discretion. Her focus on family over fame helped shape her sons’ lives in meaningful ways.

Style and Public Image

Even though Marlene Knaus stepped away from modeling after her marriage, her elegance remained a defining trait. She became known for her timeless sense of style, often appearing effortlessly chic at public appearances. Her signature long hair and refined fashion sense became almost as recognizable as her connection to Niki Lauda.

In many ways, Marlene represented the quieter side of celebrity life. She was glamorous without being ostentatious, admired without actively seeking attention. This balance between grace and humility contributed to the lasting fascination with her persona.

Life in Privacy

Following her divorce, Marlene Knaus retreated from the public eye. She reportedly continued to live in Austria, where she maintained a private and low-key lifestyle. Unlike many public figures connected to celebrities, she resisted the lure of interviews, memoirs, or media appearances.

Her decision to remain private speaks volumes about her character. Rather than capitalizing on her former husband’s fame, she chose dignity and discretion, allowing her life story to remain largely her own. This quiet strength has made her an enduring figure of intrigue in the world of Formula One history.

Remembering Marlene Knaus in Niki Lauda’s Legacy

When Niki Lauda passed away in 2019, attention once again turned to the people closest to him. While his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, and their children were in the public eye, many also remembered Marlene Knaus for her pivotal role in his earlier life.

Her marriage to Lauda spanned some of the most critical years of his career, including his championship wins, his crash, and his remarkable comebacks. For this reason, her influence cannot be understated. Marlene remains a part of Lauda’s legacy, remembered as the woman who walked beside him during his defining moments.

Conclusion

Marlene Knaus may not have been the one racing on the track, but her story is inseparable from the history of Formula One. From her early days as a model to her marriage with Niki Lauda, her strength during his accident, and her quiet life after their divorce, she represents resilience, elegance, and discretion.

Her life reminds us that behind every legend, there are people who provide support, stability, and love, often without seeking recognition. While Niki Lauda’s name will always shine brightly in the annals of motorsport, Marlene Knaus’s story adds depth, humanity, and grace to that legacy.

FAQs

1. Who is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus is the ex-wife of Formula One legend Niki Lauda. She was a model and fashion personality before marrying him in 1976.

2. When did Marlene Knaus marry Niki Lauda?
She married Niki Lauda in 1976, during the peak of his racing career, and they divorced in 1991.

3. Did Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda have children?
Yes, they had two sons together, Lukas and Mathias Lauda.

4. What is Marlene Knaus known for besides her marriage?
She was recognized as a fashion icon and model in Europe, admired for her elegance and style.

5. Where is Marlene Knaus today?
She lives a private life away from the public spotlight, maintaining her reputation for discretion and dignity.