Niki Lauda’s Nürburgring Helmet – A symbol of sporting bravery and determination – Comes to Bonhams|Cars Miami Auction

A PERCENTAGE OF PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO UNICEF

MIAMI, FL – April 20, 2024 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Niki Lauda (1949-2019), Formula 1’s legendary three-time World Drivers’ Champion, is rightly celebrated as one of motorsport’s most talented, tenacious, and intelligent drivers. A Champion who tirelessly campaigned for improvements to track and driver safety throughout his career. Niki Lauda’s incredible determination is best illustrated through his survival and recovery from the accident at the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany in August 1976 – a race that Lauda had tried to convince his fellow drivers to boycott due to poor weather and track safety standards.

The ‘never before auctioned helmet’ worn by Niki Lauda during the race, will be offered for sale by Bonhams|Cars Automobilia Department at the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2024 on Saturday May 4 at an estimate of $50,000 – 60,000. As befits the legendary F1 World Champion, a portion of sale proceeds will be donated by the vendor and BonhamsICars to the Lauda family’s chosen charity, UNICEF, to support their vital work in providing humanitarian aid to children worldwide. The helmet will be on display in the Bonhams|Cars preview tent at the Miami International Autodrome during the weekend of May 3-5.

Niki Lauda’s son, Lukas Lauda, speaking on behalf of the Lauda family said, “We are delighted that our father’s legacy continues to provide help and assistance to those in most need. The challenges faced by UNICEF in providing humanitarian aid to children worldwide are enormous, if we can make a small contribution towards improving opportunities for others; we are delighted to do so.”

“We are privileged to present this historically significant helmet, as a testament to Niki Lauda’s legacy as a driver and as a champion for driver safety. His unyielding determination and sheer courage altered the trajectory of racing history,” saidJames Garguilo, Bonhams|Cars Automobilia Specialist.

By 1976, Niki Lauda had become the dominant driver of his generation, he was the defending World Champion and leading that year’s battle for the title. Despite adverse conditions and safety concerns raised by multiple drivers, the Nürburgring race proceeded. On lap two of the race, Lauda was involved in an accident in which his car hit the barrier, resulting in his helmet flying off and the engine igniting. Four of his fellow drivers intervened,…