Marlene Knaus is an Austrian-Chilean former fashion model and style icon best known as the first wife of three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda. A prominent figure in European fashion circles during the 1970s, Marlene Knaus married Lauda in 1976 and stood by him following his life-threatening crash at the Nürburgring. Marlene Knaus raised two sons who entered international motorsport and artist management, maintaining an elegant, private lifestyle in Ibiza following her amicable 1991 divorce.


Biography

FieldDetails
Full NameMarlene Knaus
NationalityAustrian
ProfessionFormer model, designer
Known ForFirst wife of Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda; European fashion model
Ex-HusbandNiki Lauda (m. 1976, div. 1991)

Family Tree

RelationName
Ex-HusbandNiki Lauda
SonsLukas Lauda, Mathias Lauda

Career Highlights

  1. Established a prominent modeling career in European fashion capitals during the 1970s.
  2. Supported the recovery and international racing return of champion Niki Lauda.