Niki Lauda won two Formula One World Drivers’ Championships with Ferrari.
His first Ferrari title came in 1975, when he dominated the season with the new 312T. Lauda won five Grands Prix and secured the championship at Monza, while Ferrari also captured the Constructors’ Championship. The result established him as the leading driver of Ferrari’s competitive revival under team manager Luca di Montezemolo.
Lauda appeared set to retain the title in 1976 after winning four of the first six races. His season was transformed by a severe crash at the Nürburgring, after which he returned to racing remarkably quickly. He ultimately lost the championship to James Hunt by a single point after withdrawing from the rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix.
He regained the crown in 1977, driving the Ferrari 312T2. That was his second and final championship with the team. Lauda won three Drivers’ Championships overall: two for Ferrari, in 1975 and 1977, and another for McLaren in 1984.