Even though she left the spotlight many years ago, people still search for Marlene Knaus today. Why? Because her life once had everything — beauty, fame, love, heartbreak, and big racing history. She was married to Niki Lauda, one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. Their life together was watched by the whole world.
But then, something surprising happened. After her divorce, Marlene Knaus quietly stepped away. No interviews. No drama. No social media attention. She simply chose peace. And that decision made people even more curious.
So in this article, we will talk about everything. Who is Marlene Knaus? What was her life like before and after Niki Lauda? What really happened in their marriage? And most importantly — where is Marlene Knaus today in 2026?
Let’s begin from the start.
Marlene Knaus Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus |
| Nickname | “It Girl” |
| Birth Year | 1956 |
| Age (2026) | Around 70 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American–Austrian |
| Ethnicity | Venezuelan roots |
| Profession | Former model |
| Famous For | First wife of Niki Lauda |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Niki Lauda (m. 1976 – div. 1991) |
| Children | Lukas Lauda, Mathias Lauda |
| Current Residence | Ibiza, Spain |
| Net Worth (2026) | $45–50 million (estimated) |
| Still Alive | Yes |
Who Is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus is a former fashion model who became famous in the 1970s. She was known for her natural beauty, calm personality, and simple but elegant style. People called her the “It Girl” because she had a quiet charm that made her stand out without even trying.
But most people know her because she was the first wife of Niki Lauda. He was a three-time Formula 1 World Champion. Being married to someone so famous brought Marlene into the global spotlight. Cameras followed them everywhere — race tracks, public events, and interviews.
Still, there was something different about her. She never behaved like someone hungry for attention. She did not chase headlines. Even when she was famous, she stayed quiet and graceful. That is one reason why people are still interested in Marlene Knaus today.
Marlene Knaus Early Life and Background
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956 in the United States. Her parents had Venezuelan roots. That gives her a mixed cultural background. She later became an Austrian citizen after marrying Niki Lauda.
Not much is known about her childhood. She never shared many details about her early life, school, or family. Unlike many celebrities today, she did not try to turn her personal story into public content. She always valued privacy.
Now in 2026, Marlene is around 70 years old. Even at this age, she continues to stay away from media attention. That choice has followed her throughout her life. From the beginning, she preferred calm over noise.
Marlene Knaus as a Famous Model
Before she ever met Niki Lauda, Marlene was already well known in fashion circles. She started modeling in the 1960s and became popular in the 1970s. At that time, fashion was bold and expressive. Yet Marlene stood out with her soft and natural look.
She was famous for her loose, messy hairstyle. Many women copied it. Her style was simple but classy. She did not need heavy makeup or flashy outfits to get noticed. Her quiet confidence made people admire her.
She worked with fashion brands and appeared in magazines. She also later showed interest in interior design. That tells us something important — she loved beauty, but in her own calm way. Even during her modeling days, she never acted like a loud celebrity. And that makes her story even more interesting when we think about Marlene Knaus today.
How Marlene Knaus Met Niki Lauda
Now here’s where the story gets exciting.
Marlene met Niki Lauda in 1975 at a dinner gathering. At that time, she was dating actor Curt Jurgens. Niki was also ending a long relationship of eight years. In simple words — they were not free when they first met.
But something clicked that night. Have you ever met someone and felt an instant connection? That is what many people believe happened between them. Within months, they started dating seriously.
Their relationship surprised many people around them. Niki Lauda was focused on racing and building his career. Marlene Knaus was already admired in fashion circles. But they seemed to balance each other well. Niki reportedly liked that Marlene was not impressed by fame. She stayed grounded and calm while he lived in the fast lane.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Marriage
In 1976, just one year after meeting, they got married. It happened during the peak of Niki Lauda’s racing career. Suddenly, Marlene was standing beside one of the most famous athletes in the world.
Imagine the pressure. Cameras everywhere. Media attention. Constant travel to racing events in different countries. Yet Marlene handled it with grace. She attended races, supported him, and smiled calmly through the spotlight.
After marriage, she became an Austrian citizen. The couple was often photographed together, holding hands at Grand Prix events. For many fans, they looked like the perfect pair — strong, stylish, and united.
But life was about to test them in a way no one expected.
Marlene Knaus and the 1976 Crash
On August 1, 1976, Niki Lauda’s life almost ended on a race track in Germany. His Ferrari crashed at the Nürburgring circuit and burst into flames. He was trapped inside the burning car.
He suffered severe burns to his face and head. He inhaled toxic smoke that damaged his lungs. Many people believed he would not survive.
And where was Marlene? By his side.
During hospital visits and painful treatments, she stayed strong. She avoided dramatic interviews. She did not seek attention. She simply focused on her husband’s recovery. That quiet strength showed the world who she really was.
Niki later spoke kindly about her support during that dark time. Even though she disliked racing because it was dangerous, she still stood behind him 100 percent. That moment changed their lives forever.
Marlene Knaus’ Children and Family Life
After the crash and recovery, life slowly moved forward. Marlene and Niki focused on building their family. In 1979, they welcomed their first son, Lukas Lauda. Two years later, in 1981, their second son, Mathias Lauda, was born.
Their boys grew up around race tracks and fast cars. But their lives were also filled with normal family moments. School, home dinners, and quiet days away from cameras. Lukas later chose to work behind the scenes in racing. He became a manager and helped guide his brother’s career. Mathias followed his father’s path and became a professional race driver.
There were also difficult moments. In 1982, news came out that Niki had a son, Christoph, from another relationship. It caused shock and tension. Many people wondered what Marlene would do. Yet she stayed quiet and focused on her children. Reports also say the couple once lost a baby during their marriage. These events tested their strength as a family.
Why Did Marlene Knaus Divorce Niki Lauda?
By 1991, after about 15 years of marriage, Marlene and Niki decided to divorce. They never gave a clear public reason. But many believed that Niki’s extramarital affairs played a part.
What is important is how Marlene handled it. There were no loud interviews. No public fights. No long public drama. She simply stepped away with dignity. That quiet strength became part of her story.
Have you noticed something about Marlene Knaus today? The same calm personality she showed during the crash and the family crisis is the same one she showed during the divorce. She did not let the world see her pain. She chose privacy over attention.
What Did Marlene Knaus Receive From Niki Lauda’s Estate?
When Niki Lauda passed away in May 2019, he left behind a large estate. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at around $200 million. Years earlier, Marlene had already received a strong divorce settlement when they separated.
After his passing, there was a legal case involving his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger. Niki had not updated his will to include Birgit and their twins. In 2024, the court decided that Birgit should receive 16% of the estate. This ensured support for her children.
Marlene, however, was already financially secure. She kept the house in Ibiza that Niki had bought. Over time, reports suggest her net worth is now around $45 to $50 million. This means Marlene Knaus today lives a comfortable life without financial stress.
Marlene Knaus Today in 2026
So where is Marlene Knaus today?
As of 2026, she still lives in Ibiza, Spain. It is quiet, peaceful, and far away from racing cameras. She enjoys simple daily life. Cooking at home. Spending time with her sons. Caring for animals. Relaxing by the sea.
She does not use public social media. In fact, she deactivated her online accounts years ago. She rarely attends public events. Sometimes she appears at private family gatherings, but that is all. People who know her describe her as kind, calm, and warm.
It is interesting, isn’t it? She once lived at the center of Formula 1 fame. Now she chooses silence and peace. That decision makes her story very special.
Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Final Years
Even after their divorce, Marlene and Niki remained respectful toward each other. Over the years, Niki married Birgit Wetzinger, who later donated a kidney to him in 2005. They had twins together and built a new family life.
Niki faced many health struggles in his later years. He underwent kidney transplants and even a double lung transplant in 2018. His body had never fully recovered from the injuries of 1976.
In his final days in 2019, both Marlene and Birgit were present at the hospital. Despite the complicated past, they stood together for him. That moment shows something powerful. Sometimes, life moves forward in unexpected ways, but respect can remain.
Why People Still Talk About Marlene Knaus Today
Why does the world still search for Marlene Knaus today?
It is not just because she was married to a legend. It is because she chose a different path. In a world where many chase fame, she walked away from it. She did not write books. She did not tell secrets. She did not turn her story into headlines.
She was strong during tragedy. Loyal during crisis. Quiet during scandal. And peaceful after fame. That is rare.
Even now in 2026, fans still share her old photos. They talk about her style and her calm beauty. But more than that, they respect how she lived her life.
Final Thoughts
Marlene Knaus is more than just Niki Lauda’s ex-wife. She was a fashion icon of her time. She stood by her husband during one of the most shocking accidents in sports history. She raised two sons who stayed close to racing. And she handled heartbreak with quiet strength.
Marlene Knaus today lives far from the noise of fame. She chose peace, family, and privacy. That choice may be the most powerful part of her story.
And maybe that is why people still ask about her. Not because she wanted attention — but because she never did.
(FAQs)
Why did Marlene Knaus divorce Niki Lauda?
Marlene Knaus divorced Niki Lauda in 1991 after being married for about 15 years. They did not share the real reason with the public. But many people believe it happened because Niki had relationships with other women. Even after the divorce, Marlene stayed quiet and respectful.
Is Marlene Knaus still alive?
Yes, Marlene Knaus is still alive in 2026. Some people got confused after Niki Lauda died in 2019, but she is alive and living a private life in Spain.
How many children does Marlene Knaus have?
Marlene Knaus has two sons with Niki Lauda. Their names are Lukas and Mathias. Mathias became a race car driver like his father, and Lukas works behind the scenes in racing.
How old is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956. In 2026, she is around 70 years old. Her exact birthday is not public because she likes to keep her life private.
What is Marlene Knaus doing in 2026?
In 2026, Marlene Knaus lives a quiet life in Ibiza, Spain. She does not use social media and does not give interviews. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and living peacefully away from fame.
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