Niki Lauda’s infamous crash at the Nürburgring during the 1976 German Grand Prix nearly cost him his life. Before the event, the Austrian wanted to organize a boycott because of how dangerous the circuit was and how ill-prepared the race organizers were to hold an F1 race on a 14-mile-long track.
During the race’s second lap, Lauda’s Ferrari 312T swerved off-track, hit an earthen embankment and burst into flames. American driver Brett Lunger struck the burning Ferrari as it carried back across the racing surface. Lauda’s ill-fitting helmet came off during the crash, exposing his face to the blaze. Lunger and other drivers were able to free Lauda from the wreck, and Arturo Merzario pulled him out of the Ferrari.
As documented at the time and retold in the 2013 movie “Rush,” Lauda’s injuries were so severe that he was given the Last Rites. He not only survived but returned to F1 that same season.
