When people talk about famous names in Formula 1, they often jump straight to big stars like Niki Lauda. But behind every well-known figure, there is someone whose story is just as important. One of those people is Marlene Knaus, a woman who lived a life full of quiet strength, beauty, and grace. Even today, she interests many people because she chose privacy instead of the spotlight.
You know how some people enter a room and everyone notices them without them even trying? That was Marlene. She didn’t race cars or chase trophies. She didn’t want fame or noise. Yet, she still stood out. She had a calm style that made people look twice, and she carried herself with confidence in a very gentle way.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus |
| Nickname | The “It Girl” (1970s fashion circles) |
| Born | 1956 (exact date unknown) |
| Age (2025) | 69 years old (2025) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American–Austrian |
| Ethnicity | Venezuelan |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Residence (Current) | Ibiza, Spain |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m) |
| Profession | Former model, designer, photographer |
| Famous For | First wife of Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Niki Lauda, 1976–1991) |
| Children | 2 sons — Lukas Lauda (1979), Mathias Lauda (1981) |
| Known Traits | Loose hairstyle trendsetter, elegant style icon |
| Life After Divorce | Lives privately, avoids media, no remarriage |
| Connection to F1 | Supported Lauda during 1976 crash and comeback |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $10M–$40M (from settlement + assets left by Lauda) |
| Portrayed in Film | Alexandra Maria Lara in Rush (2013) |
Early Life and the Start of a Modelling Journey
Marlene Knaus was born in the United States in 1956 to parents of Venezuelan ancestry. Not much is known about her early childhood because she always preferred a private life. But one thing is clear — she had a spark that led her into the world of fashion at a young age.
She moved to Europe in the late 1960s, a time when the fashion world was full of fresh ideas, bold looks, and creative energy. Marlene stepped right into it. Her long flowing hair, soft features, and effortless look made her stand out. People in the industry loved how natural she looked. She didn’t try hard to impress anyone. She simply was impressive.
By the time she was in her twenties, she was appearing in magazines and attending glamorous events. Her loose hairstyle became so popular that many women in Austria and Germany copied it. You could say she was a fashion trendsetter without even trying. Some people even called her an “It Girl,” a nickname for a woman with natural charm and style.
READ ALSO: Berniece Julien: Tyson Beckford’s Elegant Ex-Wife & British Entrepreneur
A Life-Changing Meeting with Niki Lauda
One evening in 1975, Marlene attended a dinner party hosted by someone she knew well — the actor Curt Jürgens. She arrived as his date, expecting a normal night full of conversation and laughter. But life had other plans. That night, she met a young Austrian driver who was already gaining attention in Formula 1. His name was Niki Lauda.
The connection between them was strong right from the start. People at the party could see it. Even though Niki was already on his way to becoming a world champion, Marlene wasn’t drawn to his fame. She liked him for who he was — focused, serious, and honest.
Within a year, Marlene and Niki got married. Their wedding happened in 1976, right when Niki’s career was at its peak. It almost sounds like a scene from a movie: a rising racing star and a stunning model starting a life together. But behind the glamour, life was not always simple.
Marriage During the Height of Fame
Being married to a Formula 1 driver is not like being married to someone with a normal job. Racing in the 1970s was extremely dangerous. Every race carried real risks. Drivers traveled constantly. They faced pressure, fear, and long periods away from home.
Marlene stepped into this world with quiet strength. Even while the media followed Niki everywhere, she kept herself calm and kind. She did not chase attention or try to make headlines. Instead, she focused on being a steady partner, someone Niki could trust and lean on.
Their marriage also brought two sons into the world. Lukas was born in 1979, and Mathias arrived in 1981. Both boys grew up around the racing world. Later, Lukas became a motorsport manager, and Mathias followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional racing driver too.
From the outside, their family looked glamorous. But the truth is, it wasn’t always easy. And one moment in 1976 changed everything for Marlene and Niki.
The Crash That Tested Everything
In August 1976, during the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Niki Lauda suffered a horrific accident. His car swerved off the track, crashed into a wall, and burst into flames. He was trapped inside, inhaled toxic fumes, and suffered severe burns. Many people believed he would not survive.
For Marlene, this was a terrifying moment that changed her life. She rushed to the hospital and stayed beside him while he fought for his life. She didn’t care about fame or the cameras outside the hospital. She cared about him. She supported him through the fear, through the pain, through the long recovery.
This event showed how strong she really was. When things got hard, she didn’t walk away. She stood firm. And Niki’s incredible comeback — returning to racing just six weeks later — was something Marlene witnessed up close. She was part of the strength behind that miracle.
Challenges, Pressure, and the Start of Cracks
Even in the years after the accident, life did not get easier. Formula 1 was still dangerous. Niki still traveled often. Fame was still intense. And this constant pressure slowly created cracks in their marriage.
There were also difficult moments, including rumours of Niki having a child from an affair in 1982. Marlene stayed silent in public, but she handled everything with dignity. She continued supporting her family while doing her best to manage the emotional weight that came with being married to someone whose life was always in the spotlight.
After nearly 15 years of marriage, the couple eventually decided to part ways. Their divorce happened in 1991, and even though it was a sad ending, it was handled with respect from both sides.
Who Is Niki Lauda?
Niki Lauda was one of the most famous drivers in Formula 1 history. He was known for his sharp mind, calm personality, and fearless racing style. He won the Formula 1 World Championship three times — in 1975, 1977, and 1984. This made him one of the greatest drivers the sport has ever seen.
But his life was not only about trophies. In 1976, he survived one of the worst crashes in F1. His car caught fire, and he suffered severe burns. Many people thought he would never recover. But he shocked the world when he returned to racing just six weeks later. His comeback became a symbol of strength and pure determination.
Niki also built a successful business life. He owned airlines like Lauda Air, Niki, and Laudamotion. Later, he worked for the Mercedes Formula 1 team and helped bring Lewis Hamilton to the team. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 70, leaving behind a huge legacy in motorsport.
Marlene Knaus Movies
Marlene Knaus never acted in movies, but her life was shown in the popular Formula 1 film “Rush” (2013). The movie tells the story of Niki Lauda’s rivalry with James Hunt and also shows important moments of Niki’s life, including his marriage to Marlene.
In the film, Marlene Knaus is played by actress Alexandra Maria Lara, who did a beautiful job showing Marlene’s calm and supportive nature. The film highlights how Marlene stood by Niki during his 1976 crash and recovery. Even though Marlene was a private person, the movie helped many people learn about her role in Niki’s life.
Why Did Marlene Knaus Leave Niki?
The true reason behind their divorce was never publicly explained. Both Marlene and Niki stayed quiet about it, which shows how much they respected each other. But many reports and people close to them shared a few common reasons.
Life with a Formula 1 driver was very difficult. Niki traveled all the time. The sport was dangerous. The stress was constant. This made family life very hard. There were also rumours of Niki having an affair in 1982, which led to the birth of his son Christoph. This put even more pressure on their marriage.
After 15 years together, they decided to go their separate ways in 1991. But even after the breakup, they stayed respectful toward each other. Marlene never spoke badly about Niki, and they remained connected through their sons.
Marlene Knaus Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
Marlene Knaus has a very interesting background. She was born in the United States, but her family roots are Venezuelan, which explains her elegant features and natural beauty. Later, when she married Niki Lauda, she also gained Austrian nationality.
So today, she is known as American-Austrian, with Venezuelan ethnicity.
Her religion is Christianity, which she has quietly followed without any public attention. She has always kept her beliefs personal and private, just like most things in her life.
Age, Height, and Personal Details
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956, which makes her 69 years old (as of 2025). Even though she avoids the public eye, people still recognize her from old photos because of her classic beauty.
She is about 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.72 m), which made her perfect for modelling during her early years. Her long dark hair, soft features, and natural charm were a big part of her signature look. Many women copied her famous loose hairstyle in the 1970s.
Today, Marlene lives a very private life in Ibiza, Spain, in a home Niki left for her. She enjoys family time, simple routines, and peaceful days away from cameras. She is known to love cooking, animals, and quiet activities that keep her happy. She no longer uses social media and prefers to stay offline.
Life After Divorce: A New Chapter of Peace and Privacy
After the divorce in 1991, Marlene Knaus made a choice that surprised many people. Instead of staying in the public eye or giving interviews about her life with Niki Lauda, she quietly stepped away. She didn’t want attention. She didn’t want drama. She simply wanted peace. And she worked hard to protect it.
She moved to Ibiza, a place she had loved for years. It was an island filled with calm beaches, warm weather, and quiet homes. This was exactly what she needed. While Niki stayed very active in the world of Formula 1, Marlene focused on building a slow and peaceful life. She cooked, took care of her home, spent time with her sons, and enjoyed simple things that made her happy.
This private lifestyle may sound surprising for someone who was once surrounded by cameras and fashion events. But for Marlene, silence was freedom. She wanted her world to be small, calm, and full of peace. Even today, she continues to live away from the spotlight, and many people admire her for that.
A Strong Bond with Her Sons
Even though her marriage ended, one thing never changed — Marlene Knaus remained a devoted mother. Her sons, Lukas and Mathias, became the center of her life. She supported them through school, early adulthood, and their careers.
Lukas chose a path behind the scenes. He became a motorsport manager and even helped guide his younger brother. Mathias followed the family passion for racing. He became a professional driver and competed in many series around the world. In 2017, he even became a champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Both sons say their mother gave them strong values. She taught them to stay grounded and to avoid unnecessary attention. Many people believe they inherited her calm and private nature.
Her Quiet Legacy in Formula 1 History
Even though Marlene stepped away from the public, her name still appears in Formula 1 history. Fans remember her for her elegance, her strength, and her quiet support during the hardest time in Niki’s life. When people talk about the 1976 Nürburgring crash and Niki’s comeback, they often mention how important she was behind the scenes.
She didn’t wear a racing suit. She didn’t drive a car. But she played a huge role in the story of one of the greatest drivers in the world. Sometimes, the strongest people are the ones who stay calm in the background, helping silently without asking for credit.
Marlene’s simple and graceful style also left a mark. Her loose hairstyle became a trend in the 1970s. Many young women copied her look. Even today, photos of her from old magazines show how naturally stylish she was. She never tried too hard. She just had a charm that people noticed.
Niki Lauda’s Later Years and Their Continued Connection
After the divorce, Niki Lauda remarried. His second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, even donated a kidney to him in 2005 when he needed one. They later had twins, Max and Mia. Still, Marlene Knaus and Niki stayed connected through their sons.
When Niki grew older and experienced more health problems, both Marlene and Birgit supported him. In 2019, when he passed away, Marlene attended his funeral with their sons. She stood with the family — Birgit, Max, Mia, Mathias, and Lukas — showing that even though life had changed, respect remained.
In 2024, Niki’s estate case became public. His second wife, Birgit, received a share of his assets after she challenged the will. Marlene’s sons were also included. Reports also said that Marlene continued living in the house in Ibiza that Niki left for her.
This showed that even after their marriage ended, Niki made sure Marlene and their children were cared for.
Net Worth and Speculations
People often ask about Marlene Knaus’ net worth, but the truth is simple: she has never confirmed anything. Some say she may have received a large settlement during the divorce. Others say she might have inherited part of Niki’s assets.
Different sources guess her net worth to be anywhere between $6 million and $40 million. But because Marlene values privacy, nobody knows the exact amount. What matters more is that she has lived comfortably and quietly, which is exactly the life she wanted.
Where Is Marlene Knaus Today?
Today, Marlene lives in Ibiza, Spain. She enjoys simple things — family time, cooking, peaceful days, and staying away from the public eye. She no longer uses social media. She doesn’t attend events. She prefers silence over spotlight.
And yet, she remains a well-known figure in Formula 1 history because of her role in Niki’s life and her own natural elegance.
Conclusion
The story of Marlene Knaus reminds us that real strength does not always come from loud actions or big moments. Sometimes, it comes from quiet support, steady love, and the choice to live life with grace.
She stood beside Niki Lauda when the world watched him battle for his life. She raised two sons with care and calmness. She walked away from fame when she realized it didn’t bring her peace. And she built a private, gentle life that still inspires people today.
Not every important person stands in the spotlight. Some shine quietly — and Marlene Knaus is one of them.
READ ALSO: Elena Moussa Height, Age, Nationality & Bio – Greg Gutfeld’s Wife Explained
FAQs
1. Where is Marlene Knaus today?
Marlene Knaus lives a very private life in Ibiza, Spain. She stays out of the public eye, avoids interviews, and enjoys a peaceful lifestyle. She reportedly lives in a home that Niki Lauda left for her.
2. Is Marlene Knaus still alive?
Yes, Marlene Knaus is still alive. Rumours about her death started in 2020 after Niki Lauda passed away, but those stories were false. She simply chooses a quiet, private life.
3. How old is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956, making her:
- 69 years old in 2025
She has never publicly shared her exact birthday.
4. How did Niki Lauda meet Marlene Knaus?
Niki Lauda met Marlene Knaus in 1975 at a dinner party hosted by actor Curt Jürgens. At the time, Marlene was Curt’s date. Sparks quickly flew between her and Niki, leading to their marriage one year later in 1976.
5. Why did Marlene Knaus leave Niki?
The real reasons were never officially shared, but several known factors include:
- Niki Lauda’s demanding Formula 1 career
- Long periods of travel and absence
- Stress from his dangerous profession
- Rumours of an affair in 1982, which resulted in a child
They divorced in 1991, but remained respectful and connected through their sons.
