Marlene Knaus is a name that many Formula One fans still remember today. She became famous as the first wife of racing legend Niki Lauda, one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history. But before she became known around the world as Niki Lauda’s wife, Marlene had her own story as a model, fashion figure, and a woman with a strong personality.
Unlike many people connected to famous athletes, Marlene Knaus always chose a quiet life. She stayed away from interviews, social media, and the public spotlight. Because of this, many people still wonder who she really is and what happened after her years with Niki Lauda.
In this article, we will explore the full story of Marlene Knaus, including her early life, modelling career, love story with Niki Lauda, their marriage, children, and the moments that shaped her life. We will also look at where Marlene Knaus is today and why people are still interested in her journey.
Marlene Knaus Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus |
| Born | 1956 |
| Age (2026) | Around 70 years |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American-Austrian |
| Profession | Former Model |
| Famous For | Niki Lauda’s first wife |
| Husband | Niki Lauda (1976–1991) |
| Children | Lukas Lauda, Mathias Lauda |
| Divorce | 1991 |
| Residence | Ibiza, Spain (reported) |
| Net Worth | Around $43 million |
| Current Status | Alive and private life |
Who Is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus is a former model who became widely known after her relationship with Austrian Formula One champion Niki Lauda. During the 1970s, she was admired for her beauty, fashion sense, and elegant style. Many people in the fashion world knew her before she became linked with the famous racing driver.
She was often called the “It Girl” because of her unique style and graceful appearance. Her loose hairstyle became one of her most famous features and was copied by many women during that time. Marlene had a natural charm that made her stand out wherever she appeared.
Today, Marlene Knaus is mostly remembered as Niki Lauda’s first wife. However, her life was more than just being connected to a racing legend. She was a successful model in her own right and played an important role during some of the most difficult moments of Niki’s career.
Marlene Knaus Early Life and Family Background
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956 in the United States. She was born into a family with Venezuelan roots, and reports say she had Venezuelan-American parents. While some details about her childhood remain private, it is known that she later became an Austrian citizen after marrying Niki Lauda.
There is very little public information about Marlene Knaus’ parents, education, or early family life. She has always protected her personal details and never shared much about her years before fame. This has made her one of the more private figures connected to Formula One.
Even though much of her early life remains unknown, her journey from a young model to the wife of a world-famous racing champion made her a person of interest for many fans. Her quiet nature also helped create more curiosity about her life.
Marlene Knaus Modelling Career and Fame
Before meeting Niki Lauda, Marlene Knaus had already built a name for herself in the modelling world. She started her career when fashion and style were changing quickly, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Her elegant look helped her gain attention in the industry.
Marlene worked with different fashion brands and appeared in magazines as a cover model. She was known for her simple but stylish appearance. Her fashion choices, especially her famous loose hairstyle, became a part of her identity.
Besides modelling, reports suggest that Marlene also had an interest in design. However, because she avoided the media, many details about her professional work are not widely known. Unlike many public figures, she never tried to use fame to build a large online presence.
Her modelling career helped her become known before her relationship with Niki Lauda made her internationally famous. She was already a respected figure in fashion circles when their love story began.
How Marlene Knaus Met Niki Lauda
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda met during the 1970s when both were already connected to famous circles. At that time, Niki was becoming one of the biggest names in Formula One, while Marlene was known for her modelling career and social life.
Before meeting Niki, Marlene was reportedly dating famous actor Curt Jürgens. The two were seen together at public events, including a wedding in Germany in 1975. However, their relationship later ended.
Niki Lauda was also coming out of a long relationship before meeting Marlene. He had been with Mariella Reininghaus for about eight years. After their first meeting, Niki and Marlene quickly developed a close connection.
Their relationship attracted attention because they were both well-known in their own fields. Niki was a fearless racer on the track, while Marlene was known for her beauty, style, and calm personality away from racing.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Marriage
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda got married in 1976, only a short time after they started dating. Their marriage became one of the most talked-about relationships in the Formula One world. Fans often saw Marlene standing beside Niki during races and important events.
Life with a Formula One driver was not always easy. Racing was dangerous, and every race carried risks. Marlene reportedly did not like the dangers of Niki’s career, but she still supported him and stood by him during difficult times.
Niki Lauda later spoke positively about Marlene and praised the support she gave him. He said she was a wonderful person who helped him during some of the hardest periods of his life.
Their marriage lasted for 16 years, and during that time they experienced both happy moments and serious challenges. Together, they built a family and became one of the most famous couples in motorsport history.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Family Life
During their marriage, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda welcomed two sons. Their children later became connected to the racing world, continuing the family’s relationship with motorsport.
Their first son, Lukas Lauda, was born in 1979. Unlike his father, Lukas did not become a racing driver. Instead, he worked behind the scenes and became involved in motorsport management. He helped guide racing activities and supported his brother’s career.
Their second son, Mathias Lauda, was born on January 30, 1981. Mathias followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional racing driver. He competed in different racing events and later achieved success in endurance racing.
The family also faced sadness during their marriage. Niki Lauda revealed that he and Marlene had lost a baby during the time of the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite this painful moment, they continued raising their two sons and building their family.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s 1976 Crash Story
One of the hardest moments in Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s life came during the famous 1976 German Grand Prix. On August 1, 1976, Niki Lauda was involved in a terrible accident at the Nürburgring race track. His Ferrari crashed, caught fire, and left him trapped inside the car.
The accident was life-threatening. Niki suffered serious burns to his face and head, and he also suffered damage from breathing in toxic smoke. Many people thought he might not survive, but his strong will helped him recover. His return to racing only six weeks later became one of the most inspiring moments in Formula One history.
During this difficult time, Marlene Knaus stood beside him. Although she disliked the danger of racing, she continued to support Niki. Her support showed the strong bond they shared during their marriage.
Niki later spoke about how important Marlene was during those years. He said she remained supportive even when his career brought fear and stress into their lives. For many fans, Marlene became known as the woman who stood beside one of racing’s greatest champions during his darkest days.
Why Did Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda Divorce?
After 16 years of marriage, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda ended their relationship in 1991. The couple did not publicly explain the exact reason behind their divorce. Because they kept the details private, many questions remained unanswered.
Over the years, there were reports that Niki Lauda had an affair during their marriage. He later had another son named Christoph from that relationship. Some people believed this situation played a role in the couple’s separation.
Even after their divorce, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda reportedly remained close. Their relationship changed from husband and wife to a strong friendship. They continued to care about each other and stayed connected through their children.
Their story was different from many celebrity divorces. Instead of public fights or harsh words, both chose to move forward quietly. Their respect for each other continued even after they were no longer married.
Marlene Knaus Life After Divorce
After separating from Niki Lauda, Marlene Knaus decided to live away from the spotlight. She did not chase fame or appear regularly in the media. Instead, she focused on her family and personal life.
Unlike many people connected to famous athletes, Marlene stayed away from social media. She does not have a strong public online presence, and she rarely gives interviews. This private lifestyle has made people even more curious about her life today.
Reports say Marlene continued to have a good relationship with Niki and his family. She remained connected to important family moments and was still respected by those close to him.
Marlene Knaus also stayed supportive during Niki Lauda’s final health struggles. Before his death, she and Niki’s second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, were both reportedly involved in supporting him during his time in the hospital.
Marlene Knaus Children and Their Careers Today
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s two sons continued the family connection with motorsport. Their children grew up around racing and became part of the world their father helped shape.
Mathias Lauda followed his father’s path and became a professional racing driver. He competed in different racing events and achieved success in endurance racing. One of his biggest achievements was winning the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship GT AM title.
Mathias also worked with Aston Martin Racing as a factory driver. His career showed that the Lauda family name continued to have a strong place in motorsport.
Lukas Lauda chose a different path. Instead of driving, he worked as a manager and helped guide racing careers. He became involved in motorsport management and supported his brother Mathias.
Together, Lukas and Mathias kept their father’s racing legacy alive. Their careers remind fans of the strong connection between the Lauda family and the world of racing.
Marlene Knaus Net Worth and Lifestyle
Marlene Knaus has an estimated net worth of around $43 million. Her wealth is believed to come from different sources, including her former modelling career and financial agreements connected to her divorce from Niki Lauda.
Niki Lauda was one of the most successful racing drivers in history. At the time of his death in 2019, his fortune was estimated to be around $200 million. His success came not only from Formula One but also from his business work in aviation and other industries.
After her divorce, Marlene reportedly received a significant settlement. She was also connected to parts of Niki Lauda’s wealth through their years together and their family.
Despite having great wealth, Marlene Knaus has always lived a simple and private life. She has never shown a desire for constant attention or public fame.
Niki Lauda’s Death and Marlene Knaus’ Support
Niki Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70. He died after years of health problems, including issues connected to his earlier racing accident and a double lung transplant he received in 2018.
His death was a major loss for the Formula One world. Fans, drivers, and teams around the world remembered him as one of the greatest racers ever.
His funeral took place on May 29, 2019, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. Many famous people attended to say goodbye to the racing legend.
Marlene Knaus was also remembered during this difficult time. Their marriage had ended many years earlier, but the connection and respect between them remained strong until the end of Niki’s life.
Where Is Marlene Knaus Today?
As of 2026, Marlene Knaus continues to live a private life. Reports suggest that she lives in Ibiza, Spain, where she enjoys a quiet lifestyle away from the media.
She does not share much about her daily life, relationships, or personal activities. Her choice to stay private has helped her maintain a peaceful life after many years connected to worldwide fame.
Marlene reportedly enjoys spending time with family and has a love for animals. She has always preferred a calm life instead of being in the center of public attention.
Many people still search for Marlene Knaus because of her connection with Niki Lauda. However, her story is also about her own journey, from a successful model to a supportive wife and a private woman who created her own path.
Final Thoughts
Marlene Knaus will always be remembered as the first wife of Formula One legend Niki Lauda. But her story goes beyond being the partner of a famous racer.
She was a successful model, a caring mother, and a strong supporter during one of the most difficult periods of Niki Lauda’s life. Her support after his 1976 crash showed the deep bond they shared.
Even after their divorce, Marlene Knaus continued to hold an important place in Niki Lauda’s life and family. Today, she remains a fascinating figure because of her elegance, strength, and decision to live quietly away from fame.
(FAQs)
How old is Marlene Knaus and when is her birthday?
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956 in the United States. She is around 70 years old in 2026. Her exact birth date and month are not publicly known because she keeps her personal life private.
Who was Marlene Knaus’ husband?
Marlene Knaus was married to Niki Lauda, the famous three-time Formula One World Champion. They married in 1976 and became one of the most famous couples in the racing world. They had two sons, Lukas and Mathias Lauda.
Why did Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda divorce?
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda divorced in 1991 after 16 years of marriage. The couple never shared the official reason, but reports suggested that Niki’s alleged affair and another child may have contributed to their separation.
Is Marlene Knaus still alive?
Yes, Marlene Knaus is still alive in 2026. Rumors about her death appeared after Niki Lauda passed away in 2019, but those reports were false. She continues to live a private life away from the media.
What is Marlene Knaus doing today in 2026?
In 2026, Marlene Knaus reportedly lives a quiet life in Ibiza, Spain. She stays away from social media and public attention, focusing on her family, personal life, and peaceful lifestyle.
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