Marlene Knaus was a successful model and socialite who captured the heart of Formula One legend Niki Lauda. She lived a glamorous life in the 1970s and became known for her beauty and elegance. Born in the United States, she moved to Austria where she met the famous racing driver. Their love story began during the peak of Lauda’s racing career. She became his first wife and stood by him through some of the most challenging moments of his life.
Marlene married Niki Lauda in 1976, just months after his near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring. She supported him through his painful recovery and his incredible return to racing. Together they had two sons, Mathias and Lukas, who both followed their father into motorsports. Despite their strong bond, the marriage faced difficulties due to Lauda’s demanding career and time apart. They eventually divorced in 1991 after fifteen years of marriage, but Marlene remained an important part of his life story.
Marlene Knaus Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus |
| Birth Year | 1956 (approximately) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Model, Socialite |
| Famous For | Being Niki Lauda’s first wife |
| Marriage to Niki Lauda | 1976 – 1991 |
| Children | Two sons – Mathias Lauda and Lukas Lauda |
| Marriage Duration | 15 years |
| Current Status | Private life, away from public eye |
| Notable Period | 1970s-1990s (modeling and marriage years) |
Who Is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus is an American-born former model who gained worldwide recognition through her marriage to racing legend Niki Lauda. She worked as a professional model during the 1970s and was known for her striking beauty and sophisticated style. Marlene lived a glamorous lifestyle in Europe where she became part of high society circles. Her life changed dramatically when she met the Austrian Formula One champion who would become her husband.
She became Niki Lauda’s first wife in 1976 during one of the most dramatic periods of his racing career. Marlene stood beside him after his horrific crash at the German Grand Prix and supported his remarkable recovery. She managed their family life while Lauda competed in races around the world and built his aviation business. Together they raised two sons who would later pursue careers in motorsports following their father’s legacy.
After their divorce in 1991, Marlene chose to step away from the public spotlight completely. She has maintained a very private life and rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, she has protected her privacy and avoided media attention for decades. Marlene remains an important figure in Niki Lauda’s life story, remembered for her strength and grace during his most challenging times.
Where Was Marlene Knaus Born?
Marlene Knaus was born in the United States, though the exact city of her birth remains largely unknown to the public. She grew up in America during the 1950s and 1960s in a time of significant cultural change. Details about her early childhood and family background have been kept private throughout her life. Marlene has never publicly shared much information about her roots or upbringing in interviews.
During her younger years, Marlene eventually moved from the United States to Europe to pursue modeling opportunities. The European fashion scene in the 1970s was thriving, and many American models sought work there. She settled in Austria, where the glamorous social scene brought her into contact with wealthy and famous individuals. It was in this European setting that her life would take a dramatic turn when she met Niki Lauda.
Her American heritage combined with her European lifestyle made Marlene a unique figure in the racing world. She brought a different perspective to the intense and competitive atmosphere of Formula One during its golden era. Despite spending most of her adult life in Europe, she maintained her American nationality. Marlene’s international background helped her navigate the global nature of her husband’s racing career with grace and adaptability.
What Was Her Job Before Meeting Niki?
Marlene Knaus worked as a professional fashion model before she met Niki Lauda in the 1970s. She was part of the European modeling scene during its most glamorous era when supermodels were becoming celebrities. Marlene’s striking looks and elegant presence made her a sought-after figure in the fashion industry. She traveled across Europe for photo shoots, runway shows, and various modeling assignments that paid well.
Her modeling career brought her into elite social circles where she met wealthy businessmen, celebrities, and athletes. She attended high-profile parties and events that were common in the jet-set lifestyle of that time. Marlene was known for her sophisticated style and ability to carry herself with confidence in any situation. The modeling world gave her financial independence and exposure to a glamorous lifestyle that few people experienced.
Beyond modeling, Marlene was also recognized as a socialite who enjoyed the finer things in life. She was comfortable in luxury settings and knew how to navigate high society with grace and charm. Her work allowed her to build connections with influential people across Europe’s fashion and entertainment industries. This career path ultimately led her to cross paths with one of Formula One’s most famous drivers at a social event.
How Did Marlene Meet Niki Lauda?
Marlene Knaus met Niki Lauda at a social event in Austria during the mid-1970s. The exact details of their first meeting have remained private, but it happened during Lauda’s rise to fame in Formula One. She was working as a model and moving in the same elite social circles as the racing champion. Their connection was immediate, and they quickly began a romantic relationship that caught media attention.
Niki Lauda was already a successful racing driver when they met, competing at the highest level of motorsport. Marlene was drawn to his confidence, intelligence, and determination both on and off the track. Despite his intense focus on racing, Lauda made time for their relationship and pursued her seriously. Their romance blossomed quickly during a time when Lauda was becoming one of the most famous athletes in the world.
The couple’s relationship deepened rapidly, and they became inseparable despite the demands of his racing schedule. Marlene attended races to support him and became a familiar face in the Formula One paddock. Their love was tested almost immediately when Lauda suffered his devastating crash at the Nürburgring in 1976. Marlene’s unwavering support during his recovery solidified their bond, and they married shortly after he returned to racing.
What Was Their Marriage Like?
Marlene and Niki Lauda’s marriage began in 1976, just months after his horrific crash that nearly cost him his life. Their relationship was built on deep love and mutual respect during one of the most challenging periods imaginable. Marlene proved to be a devoted partner and supportive wife who stood by Niki through his painful recovery and reconstructive surgeries. She provided emotional support that helped him return to racing just six weeks after the accident, which amazed the world.
Their marriage faced significant challenges due to Niki’s demanding career as a Formula One driver and later as an airline entrepreneur. He spent months away from home traveling to races around the world, which put strain on their family life. Marlene managed their household and raised their two sons largely on her own while Niki focused on his professional ambitions. Despite these difficulties, they shared fifteen years together and built a family that remained important to both of them.
The couple eventually grew apart as the pressures of fame, career demands, and time apart took their toll. Niki’s intense personality and single-minded focus on success created distance in their relationship over the years. Marlene wanted more stability and presence from her husband, which his lifestyle couldn’t provide. They divorced in 1991, ending their marriage amicably but acknowledging that they had grown in different directions.
She Stood By Him After a Terrible Crash
In August 1976, Niki Lauda suffered one of the most horrific crashes in Formula One history at the Nürburgring in Germany. His Ferrari burst into flames, and he was trapped in the burning wreckage for nearly a minute before being rescued. Niki suffered severe burns to his head and face, inhaled toxic fumes that damaged his lungs, and was given last rites by a priest. Marlene rushed to be by his side at the hospital, facing the terrifying possibility that he might not survive.
Marlene remained at Niki’s bedside throughout his agonizing recovery process in the hospital. She witnessed his pain as doctors performed treatments on his burned skin and worked to save his life. Despite the severity of his injuries and the uncertain future ahead, Marlene never wavered in her commitment to him. Her presence provided emotional strength and quiet strength that helped Niki maintain his will to fight and recover during those dark days.
Just six weeks after the crash, Niki made his miraculous return to racing with Marlene’s full support. She understood that racing was essential to his identity, even though it had nearly killed him. Marlene attended the race where he courageously got back into the cockpit, still bearing visible scars from the accident. Her unwavering loyalty and calm demeanor during this traumatic period cemented their bond and led to their marriage shortly after his return to competition.
Did Marlene and Niki Have Children?
Yes, Marlene and Niki Lauda had two sons together during their fifteen-year marriage. Their first son, Mathias Lauda, was born in 1981, five years after their wedding. Their second son, Lukas Lauda, was born in 1982, just a year after his older brother. Both boys grew up watching their father’s legendary racing career and later his success in the aviation business.
Marlene took on the primary role of raising their sons while Niki focused on his demanding career. She provided stability and a loving home environment for Mathias and Lukas during their childhood years. Despite the divorce in 1991, both parents remained committed to their sons’ wellbeing and upbringing through family time and co-parenting. Marlene ensured the boys had a strong relationship with their father even after the marriage ended.
Both Mathias and Lukas followed in their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in motorsports. Mathias became a racing driver and competed in various championships including DTM and GT racing series. Lukas also entered the racing world and has worked in motorsport management and competition. Their success in racing reflects the influence of both parents—Niki’s passion for speed and Marlene’s support and dedication to their development.
Why Did Marlene and Niki Split Up?
Marlene and Niki Lauda’s marriage ended in divorce in 1991 after fifteen years together due to growing apart over time. Niki’s relentless focus on his career left little room for family life and emotional connection with Marlene. He spent countless months away from home racing around the world and later building his airline business, Lauda Air. The constant separation created a distance between them that became impossible to bridge despite their love for each other.
Marlene wanted more presence and attention from her husband, but Niki’s driven personality made it difficult for him to balance work and family. She felt increasingly isolated while managing their household and raising their two sons essentially alone. Niki admitted in later years that he wasn’t an easy person to live with due to his intense ambition. The lifestyle that came with being married to a racing legend and entrepreneur proved too demanding for their relationship to sustain.
Despite the divorce, Marlene and Niki maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their children. There was no public drama or bitter conflict between them when they separated. Both recognized that they had simply grown in different directions and wanted different things from life. Their split was handled privately and amicably through a quiet divorce settlement, allowing both to move forward while co-parenting their sons successfully.
What Happened to Marlene After the Divorce?
After her divorce from Niki Lauda in 1991, Marlene Knaus completely withdrew from the public eye and media spotlight. She chose to live a quiet life and peaceful life away from the fame and attention that came with being a racing legend’s wife. Marlene stopped attending public events, giving interviews, or appearing in photographs that circulated in the press. Her decision to maintain such strict privacy has been respected, and very little is known about her life in the decades since.
Marlene focused on maintaining her relationship with her two sons, Mathias and Lukas, after the divorce. She continued to be an important presence in their lives as they grew into adulthood and pursued their own racing careers. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, she never sought attention or tried to profit from her connection to Niki Lauda. Marlene lived comfortably but quietly, staying out of the gossip columns and entertainment news that often follow famous divorces.
Her current whereabouts and daily life remain largely unknown to the public and media. Marlene has successfully protected her privacy for over three decades, which is rare in today’s celebrity culture. She was reportedly living in Ibiza, Spain at some point after the divorce, enjoying a calm routine away from cameras. Marlene’s ability to step away from the spotlight shows her determination to live life on her own terms, away from the racing world that once defined her identity.
Niki Lauda’s Second Marriage and Final Days
After his divorce from Marlene, Niki Lauda found love again and married Birgit Wetzinger in 2008. Birgit was a flight attendant for his airline, Lauda Air, and was significantly younger than him. Their relationship began years before their marriage, and they had twin children together in 2009—a son named Max and a daughter named Mia. Birgit became Niki’s devoted partner during the final chapter of his life, providing care and companionship.
In 2018, Niki faced serious health challenges when he required a lung transplant due to damage from his 1976 crash. Birgit made headlines when she donated one of her own kidneys to him in 2005 during an earlier kidney transplant, demonstrating extraordinary commitment. She stood by him through multiple health crises and hospitalizations during his final years. Her dedication mirrored the support Marlene had shown him decades earlier during his recovery from the racing accident.
Niki Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70, with Birgit by his side. His death marked the end of an era in Formula One, and tributes poured in from around the world. Birgit and their twins Max and Mia, along with his sons Mathias and Lukas from his first marriage, mourned his loss. Though Marlene remained private and didn’t make public statements, Niki’s passing closed a significant chapter for everyone who had been part of his remarkable life.
What Did Marlene Knaus Receive From Niki’s Estate?
Following Niki Lauda’s death in May 2019, the details of his estate distribution became a matter of private family arrangements. While the exact monetary figures were never publicly disclosed, Marlene Knaus was entitled to certain provisions as the mother of Lauda’s two eldest sons, Mathias and Lukas. The Austrian racing legend had accumulated substantial wealth throughout his career, with an estimated net worth of around $200 million, not only from his Formula One success but also from his aviation business ventures, including Lauda Air and subsequent airline enterprises.
The estate was primarily structured to benefit Lauda’s five children, including Christoph Lauda (born in 1982 from another relationship), and his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, whom he married in 2008. Marlene’s financial interests were likely addressed through previous divorce settlements from their 1991 separation rather than direct inheritance from the estate itself. However, her sons Mathias and Lukas would have been significant beneficiaries, ensuring the continuation of family wealth. The Lauda family maintained privacy regarding specific allocations and legal arrangements.
Austrian inheritance laws and the private nature of estate settlements meant that public information remained limited. What is clear is that Niki Lauda’s legacy extended beyond material wealth to include his influence on motorsport and business. Marlene Knaus, having been married to Lauda during his most triumphant racing years in the 1970s and 1980s, shared in that historical journey. While she may not have received direct estate distributions, her position as mother to his heirs ensured ongoing family connections to the Lauda fortune.
Where Is Marlene Knaus Now?
Marlene Knaus has maintained an exceptionally private life in the decades following her divorce from Niki Lauda in 1991. Now in her late sixties (around 69 years old as of 2025), she has deliberately stayed out of the public eye, avoiding media attention and deactivating her social media accounts back in 2014. Unlike many former spouses of celebrities, Marlene has never sought to capitalize on her connection to the racing legend through interviews, memoirs, or public appearances. Her current exact whereabouts remain undisclosed, though she is believed to reside in Ibiza, Spain, or possibly other parts of Europe.
Reports suggest that Marlene has focused on living a quiet, peaceful existence away from the spotlight that once surrounded her during her marriage to one of Formula One’s greatest drivers. She maintains close relationships with her two sons, Mathias and Lukas Lauda, both of whom pursued careers in motorsport racing themselves. While her sons occasionally appear in public racing events and media coverage, Marlene herself remains conspicuously absent from these gatherings. Her preference for privacy has been consistently respected by her family and the media over the years.
The former model and socialite appears content to let her past remain in the past, rarely if ever being photographed or mentioned in contemporary reports. Since Niki Lauda’s passing in 2019, there has been no public statement or appearance from Marlene regarding her former husband’s death or legacy. This sustained discretion speaks to her desire for normalcy and distance from celebrity culture. At this stage of her life, Marlene Knaus seems dedicated to maintaining her anonymity and enjoying her later years in tranquility, possibly spending time cooking, caring for animals, and cherishing family moments.
Boyfriend/ Husband Of Marlene Knaus
After her divorce from Niki Lauda in 1991, Marlene Knaus has kept her romantic life completely private, with no confirmed reports of subsequent marriages or public relationships. There have been occasional rumors and speculation over the years, but none have been verified by credible sources or by Marlene herself. Her commitment to maintaining privacy extends to all aspects of her personal life, including any potential partners she may have had in the past three decades.
Before meeting Niki Lauda, Marlene was romantically linked to actor Curt Jürgens in the mid-1970s. In fact, she was dating Curt Jürgens when she first met Niki at a dinner party in 1975. There have also been unconfirmed stories connecting her briefly to F1 playboy James Hunt before her relationship with Lauda became serious. However, unlike many former spouses of celebrities who eventually remarry or have high-profile relationships, Marlene has successfully avoided the tabloid spotlight entirely since her divorce.
Whether she chose to remain single, entered into private relationships, or remarried discreetly remains unknown to the public. Her sons, Mathias and Lukas, have also respected their mother’s privacy and have not disclosed any information about her personal romantic life in their own public appearances or interviews. The absence of information about Marlene’s romantic life post-divorce is a testament to her successful efforts to live outside public scrutiny. While Niki Lauda went on to marry Birgit Wetzinger in 2008 and had additional children, Marlene’s relationship status has remained her own private matter. This discretion has allowed her to maintain the peaceful, anonymous existence she clearly values above media attention or public recognition.
Early Life and the Rise of a Model
Marlene Knaus was born in the United States in 1956, though specific details about her exact birthdate and birthplace remain somewhat obscure due to her private nature. Growing up during the post-war era of American prosperity, she developed an interest in fashion and modeling from a young age. Her striking beauty, featuring distinctive features and an elegant presence, made her a natural fit for the modeling industry. By her late teens and early twenties in the 1960s, Marlene had begun pursuing modeling opportunities that would eventually lead her to international recognition.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Marlene’s modeling career gained momentum as she worked with various fashion brands and photographers across Europe and the United States. The modeling world of that era was glamorous and competitive, requiring not only physical beauty but also poise, professionalism, and connections within elite social circles. Her work brought her into contact with celebrities, artists, and high-society figures, expanding her social network considerably. Despite her Venezuelan roots through her family heritage, Marlene embraced both American and European cultures. It was within these sophisticated circles that she would eventually cross paths with rising Formula One star Niki Lauda, setting the stage for her most famous relationship.
Marlene’s success as a model during the 1970s coincided with a golden age of fashion when models were becoming international celebrities in their own right and earning the title of “It Girl.” She embodied the elegance and sophistication that defined the era’s aesthetic, appearing in fashion spreads, gracing magazine covers, and attending social events throughout Europe. Her beauty, charm, and signature loose hairdo made her a sought-after presence and style icon in the fashion world, even as she maintained a certain mystique about her personal life. Later in her career, she also worked as an interior designer, showcasing her creative talents beyond the runway. This combination of public visibility and private discretion became a hallmark of her personality that would continue throughout her life, even after stepping away from modeling entirely.
Frequently Asked Question
How old is Marlene Knaus today?
Marlene Knaus is believed to be around 69 years old in 2025, born in 1956, though her exact birth year has never been publicly confirmed.
What happened to Niki Lauda’s first wife Marlene?
After divorcing Niki Lauda in 1991, Marlene Knaus retreated from public life and has maintained complete privacy ever since, choosing a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Did Marlene Knaus remarry after Niki Lauda?
There are no confirmed reports of Marlene Knaus remarrying or having any public relationships following her divorce from Niki Lauda, as she values privacy above all else.
How many children did Marlene Knaus have with Niki Lauda?
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda had two sons together: Mathias Lauda (born 1981) and Lukas Lauda (born 1982), both of whom became racing drivers.
Where does Marlene Knaus live now?
Marlene Knaus’s current residence is believed to be in Ibiza, Spain, though her exact location remains private as she has successfully maintained her anonymity.
Was Marlene Knaus a famous model?
Yes, Marlene Knaus was a successful fashion model during the 1970s, working in both Europe and the United States before marrying Niki Lauda, and was known as a style icon with her signature loose hairstyle.
Why did Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda divorce?
The specific reasons for their 1991 divorce were never publicly disclosed, though it’s believed that Niki’s demanding career, long absences, and extramarital affairs (including fathering Christoph in 1982) contributed to their separation. Both parties kept the details of their split private.
Did Marlene Knaus attend Niki Lauda’s funeral?
There are no confirmed reports of Marlene Knaus attending Niki Lauda’s funeral in 2019, consistent with her preference for privacy and staying out of the public eye.
What is Marlene Knaus’s net worth?
Marlene Knaus’s net worth is estimated to be between $43 million and $50 million in 2025, though exact figures have never been publicly disclosed. Most of her wealth came from her successful modeling career, divorce settlement, and inheritance through her sons from Lauda’s estate.
Is Marlene Knaus on social media?
No, Marlene Knaus does not have any public social media presence and actually deactivated her social media accounts in 2014, avoiding all forms of public platforms throughout her life.
Final Thought
Marlene Knaus remains one of the most private figures connected to Formula One history. She was once a successful model and socialite who captured the heart of racing legend Niki Lauda during the golden era of motorsport. Their marriage during his most triumphant years made her part of racing royalty. Yet she chose a different path after their divorce, stepping completely away from fame and public attention with remarkable dignity and grace.
Today, Marlene lives quietly in Ibiza, far from cameras and interviews, enjoying her peaceful existence. She raised two sons, Mathias and Lukas, who followed their father into racing and motorsports careers. Her story shows that not everyone seeks the spotlight, even when connected to greatness and celebrity culture. Marlene Knaus proved that true elegance sometimes means knowing when to walk away from the public eye and live life on your own terms, valuing privacy and calm over fame. Her unwavering loyalty during Niki’s darkest days, combined with her quiet strength after their split, continues to inspire admiration and respect even decades later.
