Three-time F1 world champion Lauda survived the crash on the Nurburgring, despite the fact that his crash helmet was torn from his head in the course of the brutal head-on impression with the barrier, earlier than his stricken Ferrari 312T2 was then rammed by Brett Lunger’s Surtees.
4 of his fellow drivers assisted in pulling Lauda from his burning automobile, which crashed on the second lap on the Bergwerk part of the observe.
Earlier than the race, Lauda had tried to rearrange a driver boycott of the occasion’s 14.2-mile Nordschleife observe as a consequence of its poor security requirements, a scarcity of docs and medical helicopters, in addition to a moist climate forecast on raceday. However he failed to attain this by one vote.
Regardless of struggling extreme burns and respiratory injury, Lauda returned to racing on the Italian GP, a mere 40 days after the accident. He certified in fifth place and completed fourth within the 52-lap race.
The helmet shall be auctioned by Bonhams|Vehicles Automobilia Division on the Miami GP on Saturday 4 Might, and a portion of the proceeds shall be donated to the Lauda household’s chosen charity UNICEF.
Lauda died in 2019, having gone on to run three airways and handle a number of F1 groups – together with Ferrari, Jaguar and Mercedes.
“We’re delighted that our father’s legacy continues to supply assist and help to these in most want,” stated Lukas Lauda, Niki’s son, on behalf of the household.
“The challenges confronted by UNICEF in offering humanitarian assist to youngsters worldwide are huge; if we will make a small contribution in direction of bettering alternatives for others, we’re delighted to take action.”
The burnt helmet of Niki Lauda, Ferrari after his accident
Picture by: Motorsport Images
Since 1976, the helmet has been privately held in notable automobile and F1 memorabilia collections. The helmet shall be on show within the Bonhams|Vehicles preview tent on the Miami Worldwide Autodrome throughout the race weekend.
James Garguilo, Bonhams|Vehicles automobilia specialist, added: “We’re privileged to current this traditionally vital helmet, as a testomony to Niki Lauda’s legacy as a driver and as a champion for driver security.
“His unyielding dedication and sheer braveness altered the trajectory of racing historical past.”
Regardless of his heroic comeback, Lauda was pipped to the world title in 1976 by James Hunt, a narrative that was retold in Ron Howard’s 2013 film, Rush.
Lauda went on to win his second title for Ferrari in 1977 and his third, with McLaren, in 1984.
The public sale will happen immediately on the observe in entrance of the rostrum on the south facet of the Miami Worldwide Autodrome on 4 Might for invited friends in addition to Bonhams|Vehicles purchasers and automobile collectors.
Roughly 25 collector vehicles shall be pushed on to the race observe for the public sale and shall be showcased across the Miami Campus in the course of the weekend for race-going followers to view.
Different race-worn F1 helmets of Gilles Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Eddie Irvine may even be auctioned.