by Niki Lauda The infamous crash at the Nürburgring during the 1976 German Grand Prix almost cost him his life. Prior to the event, the Austrian had wanted to organise a boycott because the track was too dangerous and the race organisers were ill-prepared to host an F1 race on the 14-mile track.
On the second lap, Lauda’s Ferrari 312T went off the track, hit a bank, and burst into flames. American driver Brett Lunger crashed into the burning Ferrari as it rolled back onto the track. Lauda’s ill-fitting helmet fell off in the crash, burning his face. Lunger and other drivers were able to rescue Lauda from the crash, and Arturo Merzario pulled him from the Ferrari.
As recorded at the time and recounted in the 2013 movie “Rush”, Lauda’s injuries were so severe that he was given a Rites. He not only survived, but returned to F1 that same season.
