Marlene Knaus is a former model best known as the first wife of Formula One champion Niki Lauda. The couple married in 1976 and had two sons, Lukas and Mathias Lauda, before divorcing in 1991.
Knaus was already working as a model before her relationship with Lauda brought her wider public attention. She was often seen with him during his Formula One career, including after his serious 1976 crash. After their divorce, she largely left public life and has kept her personal affairs private.
Quick Facts About Marlene Knaus
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Marlene Knaus |
| Born | 1956 |
| Age | About 70 in 2026 |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American-Austrian |
| Profession | Former model |
| Known for | First wife of Niki Lauda |
| Former husband | Niki Lauda |
| Married | 1976 |
| Divorced | 1991 |
| Children | Lukas Lauda and Mathias Lauda |
| Reported residence | Ibiza, Spain |
| Social media | No known public accounts |
Marlene Knaus’ Early Life
Marlene Knaus was reportedly born in the United States in 1956. Her exact date of birth has not been publicly confirmed.
Reports describe her family background as Venezuelan. However, reliable details about her parents, siblings, childhood, and education are not widely available.
Knaus later became closely connected with Austria through her marriage to Niki Lauda. Some reports state that she obtained Austrian citizenship.
Her Modeling Career
Knaus worked as a model before becoming known as Niki Lauda’s wife. Reports say she began modeling during the 1960s and became known for her fashion and distinctive loose hairstyle.
She reportedly appeared in magazines and worked with different brands. Some sources also describe her as having worked in design, although detailed records of her professional work are limited.
Her modeling career became less visible after she became closely associated with Lauda. She eventually moved away from public attention.
How Marlene Knaus Met Niki Lauda
Knaus met Niki Lauda during the 1970s. At the time, she was romantically linked to German-Austrian actor Curt Jürgens.
Accounts of their first meeting differ slightly. Some reports say Knaus and Lauda met in 1975 at a dinner or party connected with Jürgens. They began a relationship soon afterward.
Lauda had previously been in a long-term relationship with Mariella Reininghaus. Knaus and Lauda married in 1976, only months after they reportedly met.
Marriage to Niki Lauda
Knaus was married to Lauda during an important period of his Formula One career. He won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 1975, 1977, and 1984.
Their marriage also covered one of the most difficult periods of his racing life. On August 1, 1976, Lauda suffered a serious crash during the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.
His Ferrari caught fire, leaving him with severe burns and lung damage. Despite his injuries, he returned to Formula One racing only weeks later.
Knaus remained with him during his recovery and appeared alongside him at races after the accident. Lauda later spoke positively about the support she gave him, even though she disliked the dangers involved in motor racing.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Children
Knaus and Lauda had two sons together.
Their older son, Lukas Lauda, was born in 1979. He later became involved in motorsport management and has worked with his younger brother.
Their second son, Mathias Lauda, was born on January 30, 1981. He followed his father into professional motor racing. Mathias competed in several racing series and won the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship in the LMGTE Am class.
Lauda also had another son, Christoph, from a relationship outside his marriage to Knaus. Christoph was born in 1982.
One source also reports that Knaus and Lauda lost a baby during their marriage, something Lauda discussed in his memoir.
Why Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda Divorced
Knaus and Lauda divorced in 1991 after approximately 15 years of marriage.
Neither publicly gave a detailed explanation for their divorce. Some reports have connected the separation to Lauda’s relationships outside the marriage, but this should not be treated as a confirmed explanation for their divorce.
The former couple reportedly remained on good terms afterward. Actress Alexandra Maria Lara, who portrayed Knaus in the 2013 film Rush, described the relationship between Knaus and Lauda after their divorce as very close.
Niki Lauda’s Second Marriage
Lauda later became involved with Birgit Wetzinger, who had worked as a flight attendant for his airline.
In 2005, Wetzinger donated a kidney to Lauda after a previously transplanted kidney failed. The couple married in 2008 and later welcomed twins, Max and Mia.
Lauda therefore had five children: Lukas and Mathias with Knaus, Christoph from another relationship, and twins Max and Mia with Wetzinger.
Marlene Knaus in the Movie Rush
Knaus was portrayed in the 2013 Formula One film Rush, directed by Ron Howard.
German-Romanian actress Alexandra Maria Lara played Marlene, while Daniel Brühl portrayed Niki Lauda. Chris Hemsworth played Lauda’s Formula One rival James Hunt.
The film focused heavily on the rivalry between Lauda and Hunt during the 1976 Formula One season. Knaus appeared in the story as an important person in Lauda’s personal life during the dangerous period surrounding his Nürburgring accident.
What Happened to Marlene Knaus After the Divorce?
Knaus largely disappeared from public life after her divorce.
Unlike many people connected with famous athletes, she did not build a highly public career around her former marriage. Information about her later relationships and professional activities is limited.
Reports have said that she continued to have a friendly relationship with Lauda and remained connected with the wider family.
Knaus was also reportedly involved with the family during Lauda’s health problems toward the end of his life.
Niki Lauda’s Death
Niki Lauda died on May 20, 2019, at age 70. He had experienced serious health problems connected partly to the lasting effects of his 1976 crash.
He underwent kidney transplants and received a lung transplant in 2018. He died while receiving medical treatment in Switzerland.
Knaus was reported to have remained close to Lauda and his family before his death. His funeral took place at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna on May 29, 2019.
Where Is Marlene Knaus Now?
Knaus is reported to live in Ibiza, Spain. Some reports say she lives in a property that Lauda purchased for her.
She continues to maintain a very private life. There are no widely verified recent interviews or regular public appearances from her.
She also does not appear to maintain verified public social media accounts. Claims about her exact current activities should therefore be treated carefully.
Marlene Knaus’ Net Worth
Marlene Knaus’ personal net worth is not reliably known.
Some websites have published estimates as high as $43 million and have connected her wealth to modeling, her divorce settlement, and Lauda’s estate. However, there is no reliable public financial record confirming that figure.
Lauda himself was a successful Formula One driver, businessman, and aviation entrepreneur. In addition to racing, he was involved with airlines including Lauda Air, Niki, and Laudamotion.
Interesting Facts
- Marlene Knaus was born in 1956.
- She worked as a model before marrying Niki Lauda.
- She was reportedly born in the United States and has Venezuelan family roots.
- Knaus married Lauda in 1976.
- She supported him following his serious Nürburgring crash that year.
- She and Lauda had two sons, Lukas and Mathias.
- Mathias became a professional racing driver.
- Knaus and Lauda divorced in 1991.
- They reportedly remained on friendly terms after their divorce.
- Alexandra Maria Lara portrayed her in the 2013 film Rush.
- Niki Lauda died in May 2019 at age 70.
- Knaus reportedly lives a private life in Ibiza, Spain.
- She has no widely verified public social media accounts.
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