Three-time F1 world champion Lauda survived the Nürburgring crash, although his helmet was ripped from his head in the brutal head-on impact with the barrier, before his stalled Ferrari 312T2 was subsequently rammed by Brett Lunger’s Surtees.
Four of his fellow drivers helped pull Lauda out of his burning car, which crashed on the second lap on the Bergwerk section of the track.
Before the race, Lauda had attempted to organize a driver boycott of the event’s 14.2-mile Nordschleife track due to its poor safety standards, lack of doctors and medical helicopters, as well as forecasts rainy weather on race day. But he did not achieve it with one voice.
Despite suffering severe burns and respiratory damage, Lauda returned to racing at the Italian GP, just 40 days after the accident. He qualified in fifth place and finished fourth in the 52-lap race.
The helmet will be auctioned by the Bonhams|Cars Automobilia department at the Miami GP on Saturday, May 4, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Lauda family’s chosen charity, UNICEF.
Lauda died in 2019, after running three airlines and managing several F1 teams, including Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes.
“We are delighted that our father’s legacy continues to provide aid and assistance to those who need it most,” said Lukas Lauda, Niki’s son, on behalf of the family.
“The challenges facing UNICEF in providing humanitarian assistance to children around the world are enormous; If we can make a small contribution to improving opportunities for others, we are happy to do so.
Niki Lauda’s burnt helmet, Ferrari after his accident
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Since 1976, the helmet has been held privately in notable collections of F1 cars and memorabilia. The helmet will be on display in the Bonhams|Cars preview tent at Miami International Autodrome throughout the race weekend.
James Garguilo, automotive specialist at Bonhams|Cars, added: “We are privileged to present this historically significant helmet, as a testament to Niki Lauda’s legacy as a driver and champion of driver safety .
“His unwavering determination and courage changed the trajectory of auto racing history.”
Despite his heroic comeback, Lauda was pipped to the world title in 1976 by James Hunt, a story that was told in the 2013 Ron Howard film, Rushing.
Lauda then won his second title for Ferrari in 1977 and his third, with McLaren, in 1984.
The auction will take place on May 4 directly on the track, in front of the podium on the south side of the Miami International Autodrome, for guests as well as Bonhams|Cars customers and car collectors.
Approximately 25 collector cars will be driven to the race track for the auction and will be displayed around the Miami campus over the weekend for racing fans to view.
Other F1 helmets worn in racing by Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Eddie Irvine will also be sold at auction.
Three-time F1 world champion Lauda survived the Nürburgring crash, although his helmet was ripped from his head in the brutal head-on impact with the barrier, before his stalled Ferrari 312T2 was subsequently rammed by Brett Lunger’s Surtees.
Four of his fellow drivers helped pull Lauda out of his burning car, which crashed on the second lap on the Bergwerk section of the track.
Before the race, Lauda had attempted to organize a driver boycott of the event’s 14.2-mile Nordschleife track due to its poor safety standards, lack of doctors and medical helicopters, as well as forecasts rainy weather on race day. But he did not achieve it with one voice.
Despite suffering severe burns and respiratory damage, Lauda returned to racing at the Italian GP, just 40 days after the accident. He qualified in fifth place and finished fourth in the 52-lap race.
The helmet will be auctioned by the Bonhams|Cars Automobilia department at the Miami GP on Saturday, May 4, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Lauda family’s chosen charity, UNICEF.
Lauda died in 2019, after running three airlines and managing several F1 teams, including Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes.
“We are delighted that our father’s legacy continues to provide aid and assistance to those who need it most,” said Lukas Lauda, Niki’s son, on behalf of the family.
“The challenges facing UNICEF in providing humanitarian assistance to children around the world are enormous; If we can make a small contribution to improving opportunities for others, we are happy to do so.
Niki Lauda’s burnt helmet, Ferrari after his accident
Photo by: Motorsport Images
Since 1976, the helmet has been held privately in notable collections of F1 cars and memorabilia. The helmet will be on display in the Bonhams|Cars preview tent at Miami International Autodrome throughout the race weekend.
James Garguilo, automotive specialist at Bonhams|Cars, added: “We are privileged to present this historically significant helmet, as a testament to Niki Lauda’s legacy as a driver and champion of driver safety .
“His unwavering determination and courage changed the trajectory of auto racing history.”
Despite his heroic comeback, Lauda was pipped to the world title in 1976 by James Hunt, a story that was told in the 2013 Ron Howard film, Rushing.
Lauda then won his second title for Ferrari in 1977 and his third, with McLaren, in 1984.
The auction will take place on May 4 directly on the track, in front of the podium on the south side of the Miami International Autodrome, for guests as well as Bonhams|Cars customers and car collectors.
Approximately 25 collector cars will be driven to the race track for the auction and will be displayed around the Miami campus over the weekend for racing fans to view.
Other F1 helmets worn in racing by Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Eddie Irvine will also be sold at auction.