Who Is Marlene Knaus? The Untold Story of Niki Lauda’s First Wife

Even though she left the spotlight years ago, people still talk about Marlene Knaus. Why? Because her life was once full of fame, love, and big moments. She was married to Niki Lauda, one of the most famous Formula 1 drivers of all time. Their relationship was watched by the world. But after their divorce, Marlene stepped away from the cameras — and that made people even more curious.

So, who is Marlene Knaus? What was her life like with Niki Lauda? And where is she now in 2025? In this article, we’ll look at her story from the beginning — her modelling days, her marriage, her family, and what happened after she left the spotlight.

Marlene Knaus Quick Bio

Who Is Marlene Knaus?

Marlene Knaus is best known as the first wife of Niki Lauda, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion. But before she met Niki, she was already making a name for herself. She was a successful fashion model in the 1960s and 70s. People called her the “It Girl” because of her natural beauty and amazing style.

She was famous for her signature loose hairstyle and elegant clothes. Many young women looked up to her for fashion inspiration. But even though she was a style icon, Marlene never seemed interested in becoming a big celebrity. She stayed calm, graceful, and mostly out of the spotlight — even during the peak of her fame.

Where Was Marlene Knaus Born?

Marlene Knaus was born in the United States in 1956. That makes her 69 years old in 2025. Even though she was born in America, her family roots are Venezuelan, and she later became an Austrian citizen after her marriage to Niki Lauda.

We don’t know much about her early life because she never shared many details about her family or childhood. That’s very much like Marlene — she has always valued her privacy. Even in her younger years, she didn’t like being in the middle of the media spotlight unless it was for work.

What Was Her Job Before Meeting Niki?

Before she became known as Niki Lauda’s wife, Marlene was a model. She started modelling in the 1960s and quickly became known for her unique beauty and classy style. She worked with top fashion brands and appeared on the covers of big magazines. People were drawn to her quiet confidence and natural elegance.

One of her most famous looks was her messy, loose hairstyle, which became a trend at the time. Many women tried to copy it. Marlene didn’t need bold makeup or flashy clothes to stand out — her simple, timeless style spoke for itself.

After her modelling career, she later worked as an interior designer. While not much is known about her design projects, it shows that Marlene had creative talents beyond modelling. She enjoyed beauty, art, and making spaces look elegant, just like her personal style.

How Did Marlene Meet Niki Lauda?

Their love story began at a dinner party in 1975. But here’s what makes it interesting — Marlene was actually dating someone else at the time. She was in a relationship with the actor Curt Jurgens. And Niki Lauda? He was engaged to another woman named Mariella von Reininghaus.

Still, something clicked between Marlene and Niki that night. Even with other relationships in place, they felt a strong connection. Just a few months later, they began dating. It surprised many people in their circle, but the two seemed happy and deeply interested in each other.

Some say Niki liked that Marlene was not impressed by fame. She didn’t try to be the centre of attention, and that made her stand out even more to someone living in the fast lane like Niki.

What Was Their Marriage Like?

Marlene and Niki got married in 1976, just a year after they met. At the time, Niki was one of the most talked-about athletes in the world. Being married to him meant being in the public eye constantly — at races, events, and interviews. But Marlene handled the attention with calm and grace.

She became a big part of Niki’s public life, but she never tried to steal the spotlight. In fact, people admired her for being supportive and quiet in the background. That balance — being present but not loud — made her special in the eyes of many fans.

After the wedding, Marlene became an Austrian citizen. The couple often travelled together for Niki’s races, and photos from those years show them smiling, holding hands, or sitting together at events. For many years, they seemed like the perfect pair — famous, stylish, and close.

She Stood By Him After a Terrible Crash

In August 1976, Niki Lauda had a terrible crash at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. His car went off the track, hit a barrier, and burst into flames. Niki was trapped inside. He suffered serious burns on his face and head, and breathed in toxic fumes that damaged his lungs.

It was a terrifying moment — many thought he wouldn’t survive. But Marlene was by his side the entire time. She stayed strong during the hospital visits, the surgeries, and the media attention. While Niki recovered, Marlene helped take care of him and kept him company through the pain.

This was when the world saw her true strength. She didn’t talk much to the press, but her quiet support spoke louder than words. Niki later said in interviews that Marlene was amazing during that time, standing by him no matter how hard it got.

Did Marlene and Niki Have Children?

Yes, Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda had two sons during their marriage. Their first son, Lukas Lauda, was born in 1979. Their second son, Mathias Lauda, was born in 1981. Both boys grew up around race tracks and the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Lukas did not become a racer, but he stayed close to the sport. He became Mathias’s manager and helped guide his career. Mathias followed his father’s footsteps and became a professional race car driver. He raced in several international competitions and made a name for himself in endurance racing.

There’s also a third child linked to Niki Lauda. In 1982, he had a son named Christoph from another relationship. That story made headlines at the time, but Marlene still stayed with Niki for several more years after that.

Why Did Marlene and Niki Split Up?

Marlene and Niki Lauda got divorced in 1991, after being together for 15 years. They never gave a full reason for their split, but many people believe it was because of Niki’s extramarital affairs. The press often talked about Niki’s personal life, and it wasn’t always easy.

But even when things ended, they both stayed respectful and private. There were no public fights or long court cases. Marlene simply stepped away from the spotlight and focused on her own life and her children.

Many people admired how she handled everything. Instead of chasing attention or giving interviews, she quietly moved on. That calm and quiet strength is part of what made Marlene Knaus so special.

What Happened to Marlene After the Divorce?

After the divorce, Marlene moved to Ibiza, Spain. She chose a quiet and peaceful life far away from the cameras. She didn’t try to stay famous or return to the modelling world. Instead, she focused on being a mom and enjoying a slower pace of life.

Marlene is known to love cooking, animals, and family time. She never started a new public relationship and stayed completely off social media. In fact, she deactivated her online profiles back in 2014 and hasn’t returned since.

Even though she’s not in the news, people still remember her. Some fans still share her old photos and admire her classic style and elegance. In 2025, she’s still known as someone who handled fame with quiet dignity.

Niki Lauda’s Second Marriage and Final Days

After his split from Marlene, Niki dated a few people before meeting Birgit Wetzinger. She was a flight attendant working for one of his airlines. Despite a 30-year age gap, they fell in love. In 2005, Birgit donated one of her kidneys to Niki when his first kidney transplant failed. That act brought them even closer.

Niki and Birgit got married in 2008, and in 2009, they had twins — a son named Max and a daughter named Mia. Niki often said that his second family brought him a lot of peace in his later years.

Sadly, Niki Lauda died in May 2019. He had many health problems due to his past injuries, including a lung transplant in 2018. Both Marlene and Birgit were with him at the hospital during his final days. Despite their history, they worked together to support him until the end.

What Did Marlene Knaus Receive From Niki’s Estate?

At the time of his death, Niki Lauda’s net worth was estimated at around $200 million. Marlene had already received a large divorce settlement back in 1991. But after his death, she and her sons also received a part of his estate.

However, there was a legal issue. Niki had not updated his will to include Birgit and their twins. So, Birgit had to take the matter to court. In 2024, she won the case and was given 16% of the total estate, securing a future for her children.

Marlene, meanwhile, kept the Ibiza home that Niki had bought. She also inherited other assets, which helped her live a comfortable life. Her net worth is now believed to be around $50 million.

Where Is Marlene Knaus Now?

As of 2025, Marlene Knaus still lives in Ibiza. She enjoys her quiet routine, away from all the noise of fame. She is sometimes seen at family events or spending time with her children, but she avoids interviews or public photos.

People who know her say she is very kind, peaceful, and private. She enjoys cooking meals at home, caring for animals, and spending time with loved ones. Even though she once lived a very public life, she now values calm over fame.

Her story shows us that it’s okay to walk away from the spotlight. Marlene Knaus chose a life that brings her peace, and that’s something many people admire today.

Final Thoughts

Marlene Knaus is more than just the ex-wife of a famous man. She was a fashion star, a loyal partner, and a strong mother. Her quiet strength helped Niki Lauda through his hardest times, including his crash and recovery.

Even after their split, she stayed close to him and their children. She never tried to get attention or fame. Instead, she lived life on her own terms.

In today’s world, that kind of grace and privacy is rare. And that’s why people still remember Marlene Knaus — with respect, admiration, and curiosity.

(FAQs)

Did Marlene Knaus date James Hunt before Niki Lauda?

Yes, it’s true! Before marrying Niki Lauda, Marlene was linked to F1 playboy James Hunt. Their short romance surprised many, especially since Hunt and Lauda were rivals on the track.

When did Marlene Knaus marry and divorce Niki Lauda?

Marlene married Niki Lauda in 1976, and they divorced quietly in 1991 after 15 years. Their split shocked fans, but they never publicly spoke about the reason.

Where is Marlene Knaus now?

Marlene Knaus lives a very private life in Ibiza, Spain. She stepped away from fame completely and hasn’t been seen in public much since the 1990s.

What is Marlene Knaus’s net worth in 2025?

Her net worth is estimated at $50 million in 2025. Most of it came from her divorce settlement and inheritance from Niki Lauda’s $200 million estate.

Is Marlene Knaus still alive? How old is she now?

Yes, Marlene Knaus is still alive in 2025. She was born in 1956, which makes her 68 years old.