The Word ‘Icon’ is Overused, but Niki was Certainly That.
At the 81st Members' Meeting, hosted by Audrain Motorsport, Goodwood will honour three-time Formula One World Champion Niki Lauda with a unique on-track demonstration. In 2024, Lauda will celebrate a number of important birthdays. On Thursday, February 22, 50 years have passed since the birth of the Formula 1 Champion, and on Sunday, February 17, 40 years have passed since his third and last World Championship.
During the course of the weekend, the Goodwood Motor Circuit will have an on-track moment honouring the celebrated driver Lauda, who won the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix in a McLaren MP4/2B. In honour of one of the all-time great Formula One world champions, the McLaren MP4/2B will take the stage throughout the display. One of the most iconic figures in motorsport, Niki Lauda was also one of the most brilliant and mentally tough drivers in history.
Niki Lauda at the 2001 Festival of Speed - Photo by Frank Alhers
Over the course of his Formula One career, which spanned 1971–1985, he won 25 Grand Prix's and three World Championships. In 1976, he narrowly avoided a fatal accident at the Nurburgring. In 1979, he announced his abrupt retirement, citing a lack of motivation, but he returned three years later, winning his last World Championship in 1984.
Returning to Formula 1 in various capacities, including as an advisor for Ferrari, Jaguar's team principal, and finally as Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Formula One Team, he focused on Lauda Air, the airline business he had founded after his first retirement in 1979, after his final victory at the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix (beating none other than Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna into second and third!). While serving in the latter capacity, he played a pivotal part in convincing Lewis Hamilton to leave McLaren, kicking off an era of unparalleled team and driver dominance.
As part of Goodwood's ongoing tribute to Lauda at this year's major motorsport events, the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard will pay tribute to the famous driver by showcasing a number of his race vehicles on Goodwood Hill.
Niki Lauda at the 2017 Festival of Speed Photo by Paul Melbert
The Duke of Richmond said: “It’s a privilege to be honouring Niki Lauda at this year’s Members’ Meeting and Festival of Speed. The word ‘Icon’ is overused, but Niki was certainly that. He achieved incredible success in everything he did, from driving to team management, and even running an airline, and always on his own terms. It was a pleasure to welcome him to Goodwood, including the final time in 2017, when he joined us for our tribute to his friend Bernie Ecclestone. He was straight talking and irreverent, but also intelligent, charming and funny, and is much-missed by all who knew him. This year’s special moments will pay tribute to his outstanding racing career and celebrate his influence and enduring legacy across the world of motorsport.”
The 81st Members' Meeting will feature a competitive sidecar Shoot-Out, Can-Am demonstration, and a full race schedule in addition to the Niki Lauda celebration that takes place over the course of the weekend.
