58 replies to this topic

[damonhillchamp96]

Who here is tired of Niki Lauda? The man was an F-1 god in his day, but Formula One has left his sad carcass behind. He speaks out on everything "Ban him, and him and him. McLaren Are cheaters. Ferrari uses traction control. Ban ban ban ban ban". Hey Lauda, shut the hell up and let them race!

[Pink Panther]

this is the guy that got banned by his own company, if you know what I mean............

[Spaman]

[Louis Mr. F1]

at least he stepped down from the new F1 magazine.

yes, i am really tired of all his comments, he thinks he's the voice of F1, his comments are the definite. Get a life. He just stick around the F1 community for too long and think that with his "status" as a 3 time WC, he can say whatever he wants, and we've to listen and take note.

[ebe]

Well, I think he is sometimes hasty with his words.

Even back in 1978 at Monza he managed Patrese to be banned,
in fact the sad accident with Peterson was not Patreses fault.

He should think twice now !!!!

[asterix]

every now and then a thread title makes you piss yourself ...

this is one of them!

[t@nk_girl]

You know waht: He is RIGHT about demanding a ban for Barrichello, simple as that. According to a AtlasF1 poll 80-90% of AtlasF1 members do agree with him....

I prefer reading interviews from F1 personalities who have strong opinions and do speak their mind, regardless whether I happen to agree or not. Lauda kicks ass.

[Williams]

I don't really understand what Niki is all about these days. He gets hired by teams (Ferrari, Jaguar) in some sort of management or consultative capacity, then spends his entire tenure bad-mouthing the team and the drivers. Now I can understand many of the things he says, but I don't understand why he says them in public. It seems to me the kind of criticism he levels is most useful and best said behind closed doors. Unless he really doesn't have the guts to say any of these things to someone's face.

[DAK]

After the ITV coverage came to an end without the driver interviews, I switched to German TV to see if they would cover them . To my astonishment, I say Lauda in the German TV studio - complete with F1 Ferrari car - wearing a Ferrari cap. I thought he worked for Jaguar now. How can he do this ?

[355 boy]

Mr Crispy should keep his thoughts to himself

*355 boy scampers back to the Paddock Club after lighting a fuse...*

[Spot]

Not at all, 355 boy. On this occassion I agree with you. He spouts off too much, forcing through his opinions that are 30 years out of date. Mind you, JYS is just as bad, except that his opinions are 40 years out of date.

[Dsilence]

I never like Lauda because he (used to?) bash Mika and glorify MS but nowdays idon't know anymore what to think..

[vroom-vroom]

I like to bash Lauda

[355 boy]

Oh c'mon... is no-one upset that I called him Mr Crispy? Where are all the politically correct readers?

;)

[bugeye]

I agree, Lauda (pronounced Loud-Duh) is doing Jaguar no Favors, he should STFU. Wouldn't it be nice if he made some positive supporting comments about his team and drivers. What on gods green earth are they paying him for. I feel bad for the Whole Jag/Cosworth gang. Rahal is an ex-racer and you don't hear any of this malarky from him.

Gerhardt B = Good
Little Niki = Bad Apple

Maybe his lifetime supply of Parmalat has gone sour or something.

PS: I do think he has a point about Rubens, but it's none of his beeswax and out of place.

IMHO he's a D-bag

[polaris]

hey guys give the guy a break. I think its fair to say Lauda earned his position in F1 and its people like this that keep a perspective on the sport, esp. when it comes to safety.

There seems to have been a recent abundance of this kind of ott driving lately and whilst i have alot of respect for RB the accident along with the others were unessesary.

If you have a dislike for Lauda for some reason, then perhaps you should take some of your own advice and keep it to yourself.

[bugeye]

Originally posted by polaris
If you have a dislike for Lauda for some reason, then perhaps you should take some of your own advice and keep it to yourself.

Yes, but Polaris I am not a spokesperson/pr person representing a major auto manufacturer, I don't publicly go thrash my employees or make remarks which could be embarrasing to my employer (at least not as a representative of the comapny)

Lauda earned my respect long ago, but unfortunately he has squandered alot of my good will as of late. (like he cares)

[Pink Panther]

it's ridiculous, it's the second driver ban he asks for in three races. He wanted an investigation into Villeneuve's actions in Australia, now Rubens.


I think Ralf had the most balanced opinion, even if he might be the victim of Rubens' last punt. He said:

1) $ fines are useless, teams pay
2) Ban is excessive, drivers make mistake
3) Suspended ban for 4 races is the way to go. Mistake is forgiven, but if you insist, than you must pay.

I agree with Ralf. And also with 355boy.....

[WKAYE]

Why are several drivers rear-ending a Williams this season ? They seem to take everyone by surprise. As I don't have all the facts , I can't say Rubens is 100% at fault , and should be banned. He definitely needs a good shake-down though. I also think that someone needs to find out just what it is about a Williams that is prompting these incidents. If Lauda in this instance , is correct , it only proves the worth of an old saying: "Even a blind pig , occasionally finds an acorn".

[FlatFoot]

Originally posted by polaris
I think its fair to say Lauda earned his position in F1 and its people like this that keep a perspective on the sport, esp. when it comes to safety.

Bullshit.

This is the same guy that drove past another driver who's car was overturned and burning (Roger Williamson @ Zandy?) a few years after he'd had his accident at the 'Ring. When asked why he didn't stop he said he was only paid to race cars.

Lauda's a real jerkoff...Ferrari made the mistake once and now Jaguar is doing the same.

[CVAndrw]

I’ve always had the utmost respect for Lauda, both driver and man, but he’s definitely gone downhill since:

1. His breakup with Marlene (he preferred GIOVANNA AMATI, for God’s sake?!?!)
2. His near drowning (saved by his son), and
3. His kidney transplant (donated by his brother).

Some of his irruptions since then have been strange to the point of my wondering what anti-rejection medications he might still be on.

By the way, Williamson’s horrible death occurred three years before Lauda’s episode at the Nurburgring, and not only Lauda but all the other drivers believed what they saw was David Purley helping the marshals extinguish the fire in his own March. They had no idea it was actually Purley (the only driver who’d actually witnessed the accident) attempting to right the overturned March in which his friend was being roasted alive.

And regarding Ferrari- they should have stuck with Arturo Merzario, no question. He would certainly have done a much better job at rebuilding the team from rock bottom and forcing Enzo to accept reality.

If you’re going to cite history make sure you know what you’re talking about, okay, pal?

[Zeus]

I agree 100%. I tired of hearing this guy whine. He has turned into one of F1's LOUDMOUTHS. Right there with Irvine, and Ron Dennis.

[damonhillchamp96]

Haha, "Mr. Crispy"! I like that one. I agree about Stewart also, and Piquet is another one. Just realize that F-1 has moved on and you haven't. We are in the year 2001, not 1971. "The Rodent" should shut his pie hole and get a job in NASCAR, where it is ok to flap your gums for no apperent reason

[Gary Grant]

Originally posted by CVAndrw

By the way, Williamson’s horrible death occurred three years before Lauda’s episode at the Nurburgring, and not only Lauda but all the other drivers believed what they saw was David Purley helping the marshals extinguish the fire in his own March. They had no idea it was actually Purley (the only driver who’d actually witnessed the accident) attempting to right the overturned March in which his friend was being roasted alive.

If you’re going to cite history make sure you know what you’re talking about, okay, pal?

Although you are right in saying that this occurred three years before Niki's own crash, you should be aware that when, after the race, Niki was asked why he didn't stop to try to help Williamson his reply was 'I am paid to race. Not to stop'. Tactful, eh? Also suggests that he may not have thought that it was Purley's car burning....

Also, Niki never thanked the drivers who stopped and saved him from being roasted alive at the 'Ring.

When Gunnar Nilsson was dying of cancer Niki agreed to turn up at a fundraiser for his charity then, without warning - and despite being the 'star attraction' - didn't show. Reason: couldn't be bothered.

Draw your own conclusions about a man nicknamed 'The Rat'.

[CVAndrw]

From To Hell and Back:

“When we discovered later what had really happened, we were all devastated. For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the sight of Tom Wheatcroft’s crumpled figure, tears streaming down his cheeks….Some ill considered remarks I myself made immediately after the race have long been held against me. Now, so long after the event, I can only say that I did not intentionally appear to be cynical or arrogant. We were all extremely upset and, seconds later, were being mobbed and jostled by reporters. In such circumstances, it is very easy to give some brusque reply to get rid of an unwelcome interrogator. I look back on Zandvoort 1973 as one of the darkest days of my entire professional career.”

And, from My Years With Ferrari:

“Merzario, Lunger, Edwards and Ertl save my life, by pulling me out of the burning wreck. Most marvellous of all was what Arturo Merzario did; he rushed straight into the flames and managed to get my safety belt undone. His action changed nothing in his attitude to me; he couldn’t stand me before, and had often attacked me in the Italian press, and afterwards he did the same. He was a completely selfless saviour. He pulled out a fellow he really disliked.”

But to get back to his criticism of Eddie Irvine, well, Eddie does, in fact, have the same attitude toward what he calls the “donkey work” of testing as did Ayrton Senna. The difference is, Eddie ain’t Senna.

And is this any different from Frank Williams calling Damon Hill a “prat”?

[FlatFoot]

CRAndy
Two obviously unbiased works regarding Lauda.;)

Thanks for the history lesson pal!

[8nebula]

What I never get about Lauda is why does he keep wearing that shabby old Parmalat cap.......won't Jaguar give him a new one??

[8nebula]

PS.....before anyone goes on. I know why he wears a hat all the time, but why doesn't he support the Jag team??

[Vetinary]

Originally posted by DAK
After the ITV coverage came to an end without the driver interviews, I switched to German TV to see if they would cover them . To my astonishment, I say Lauda in the German TV studio - complete with F1 Ferrari car - wearing a Ferrari cap. I thought he worked for Jaguar now. How can he do this ?

It's not entirely accurate. Lauda do sits in the RTL studio while wearing a red cap. However, the studio is full in most of the teams' demo cars - including Williams, Mclaren, Jaguar, etc. The cap is not a Ferrari cap - it's simply a red cap.

As for Jaguar, I don't know if he's doing anything there. I guess he's more of a PR figure than anything else. Notice that he switched to wearing the Jaguar shirt on live TV (I wonder what modelling agency will sign him first:) )

[Viss1]

Is it just me, or does he look more and more like the Emperor from Star Wars the older he gets?

[damonhillchamp96]

I think he looks more like the stay puffed marshmellow man after they fried him with those proton packs.

[klipywitz]

Would if be really mean if I said that Lauda and his comments should go down in flames?

Or that Lauda is good at flaming?

Or that he should burn his comments?

[damonhillchamp96]

Not only would it be mean, it would be true. The guy just needs to shut his pie hole and go wash that raggity ass Parmalat cap. Man, he creeps me out with that face looking like a bad guy from a Dick Tracy comic. "Hey, it's Niki the Scar." Didn't anyone tell him that it would leave a mark if he kept picking at it? GROSS

[mtl'78]

There are some really intelligent comments in this thread from apparently really intelligent members. Congrats.

[damonhillchamp96]

Originally posted by mtl'78
There are some really intelligent comments in this thread from apparently really intelligent members. Congrats.

You got anything better?

[RJL]

I just want to say that I was really disappointed by the crap posted on this thread as "humour". Very, very offensive and really just plain stupid. If you think that making fun of a man who was nearly burned to death but came back and challenged for the WC with an oversized helmet to fit over his bandages (and then spent the rest of his life with his face horribly scarred) is appropriate then you really need to grow up. Go and make those jokes to Niki in person if you have the backbone. I don't read this BB to be offended by sick jokes about other people's suffering. Pathetic.

[mtl'78]

...Well for one thing I might finally bother to find out how the "ignore" feature works...

[damonhillchamp96]

Actually, my intent on starting this thread was not to throw around childish insults. But because I am genuinely sick of Lauda spouting off all the time about things that have passed him by. The man is not a spokesman for this sport, he is nothing but negativity. All he wants to do is ban half the drivers. And then it kinda snowballed from there. If you disagree with my postion on Niki Lauda, then tell me. Personally, I think he should retire to a nice cabin somewhere in the Austrian mountians and learn yoddling or something.....

[RJL]

DH96,

Congratulations on posting the most despicable, offensive item I have had the displeasure of reading on this BB. Quite an accomplishment for someone who claims to not want to throw around childish insults. I may not be a big NL fan but even I was genuinly disgusted. Beyond that you are also mistaken:

1. Lauda never said "ban half the drivers" as you suggest, but only ONE driver. That driver has triggered 3 accidents in three races. To the best of my knowledge, Lauda did not call for a ban on Villeneuve, merely an investigation into the events. This is a completely justifiable concept, I would think, given the tragic circumstances. Go back and actually read what he said before posting this rubbish.

2. Lauda's suggestion of a one race ban for RB is completely reasonable in my opinion. RB has run three drivers off the road in the first three races, and then refused to accept the blame. He is driving over his head and being forced to sit out a weekend and think it over may make this crystal clear to him.

If this were Raikhonnen, there is no question he would have lost his super license & be out for the season. In 1997, while challenging for the WDC, Villeneuve was given a one race ban FOR NOT SLOWING ENOUGH FOR A YELLOW FLAG IN PRACTICE. Eddie Irvine was given a ban for triggering an accident some years ago. Michael Schumacher was given all sorts of penalties during his first championship campaign for all sorts of half baked reasons. Even RB himself called for a ban on Frentzen last year after the accident in Italy.

So I don't think Niki is far off the mark wrt RB, given his behavior & his refusal to accept responsibility. If RB acually hurts someone later this season under similar circumstances, the FIA will look pretty silly. Further, Lauda has a vested interest in the FIA controlling RB's rammings: he has two cars out there trying to score points and it is his job to ensure they get the best posible result. If he sees a driver who he considers to be a menace to the others, he is correct to point him out.

3. As the team principle at Jaguar, Lauda has every right to voice his opinion about the goings on in F1. Unlike you, Niki has earned the right to comment on F1 events, by his current position as well as his history. Further, Niki has no control over what questions members of the press throw out at him. I'm sure this is another case of people's statements being taken slightly out of context. Also, as a three time World Champion, I suspect Niki is far, far better equipped than most to offer opinions regarding driver safety and conduct.

4. Your last post, like the others is utter garbage. You say, "I am genuinly sick of Lauda spouting off all the time about things that have passed him by...All he wants to do is ban half the drivers. And then it kind of snowballed from there." BULLSHIT! Lauda suggested an investigation into a fatal accident and a one race ban for the driver who has has clearly been at fault in three accidents in the first three races. It is you who are spouting off. It is you who are MAKING THINGS UP about an individual who is simply going about his job, part of which is to answer questions in the press. It is you who is creating any kind of "snowballing" right here in this BB by posting things that are absolutley, utterly untrue (not to mention rude, distasteful, repugnant, and juvenile).

Take my advice: Go back and delete those despicable posts and then find the courage to apologize to those of us who were unfortunate enough to read them. Or take your own advice and keep your opinions to yourself. Your insults about Lauda's tragic disfigurement are clearly taken from the very **** sucking bottom of the human gene pool. Further, you are making a big deal about nothing and you are doing it by spreading lies and exaggerations.

[RJL]

DHC 96

It's been a couple of days now...I'm still waiting for your reply.

[Melbourne Park]

RJL, and others, thank you for condemning the insane, ignorant and sick comments here.

Besides what's been said, Lauda did more for the safety of F1 than any single driver, even Stewart. I suspect F1 drivers may know where he is coming from. F1 drivers are interested in their safety.

[Runner]

Originally posted by Melbourne Park

Besides what's been said, Lauda did more for the safety of F1 than any single driver, even Stewart.

Would you elaborate.

I've never felt that Lauda has contributed diddly to F1. I think that his current involvement with the sport has more to due with his financial status (his airline which represented most of his total worth went bankrupt and was taken over) then any desire to contribute to the sport.

[vroom-vroom]

RJL,

Aren't you a bit tough on poor ol' dhc96? This is a public forum after all and he is expressing his feelings about Lauda - and Lauda's appearance (!) So big deal. Lauda put himself in the spotlight more than once and in fact seems very keen on it. The guy loves media attention, and let's face it, basks in it. As a result, it attracts criticism whether tasteful or not. It's the nature of the beast. Besides, I doubt Niki will loose sleep over dhc96' comments:cool:

[damonhillchamp96]

as originally stated. I started this thread because I was, and still am, sick and tired of Lauda and his comments. Formula One passed him by long ago. Have enough dignity to retire and stay in retirement. Lauda will only bring more failure to Jaguar. And as for RJL, take my advice. I do not recommend insulting me again. Do so at your own risk. Your personal attacks will be dealt with should they continue.

[Melbourne Park]

Runner,

Lauda was the spokesman for the F1 drivers way back over safety issues. At one time the drivers refused to take to the track, and Lauda was the man who handled their representations etc.

Lauda also took a lot of flack for not driving in the rain soaked and many felt dangerous last GP I think in Japan against Hunt which cost him and Ferrari the WDC. The Commendator evidently was not impressed. The media at the time said that Lauda would also be remembered for his bravery outside the car.

Its too much effort to go back and verify all this. Some people who have read books may know more, I just remember it.

[klipywitz]

Well,

I am sure Lauda was a really good person and performed great acts. Still, sometimes he puts his foot on his mouth and, when he does, we have the right to complaint about it.

(By the way, he must like the taste of rubber.... He keeps putting his feet in his mouth...)


If just because someone is nice or has done something good we couldnt talk about them in a negative manner, then there wouldnt be much to talk about, would there?

I believe that human nature is basically good (except to where Schumacker is concerned..jk), but everyone makes mistakes.

[AT-LAW]

This one seems to be ahot thread...IMO, RJL is absolutely right about the facts.
Only thing I could add is that if we regret Niki Lauda to express his opinnion (WDC for three times and a half; Ferrari consultor for four years;former JAG CEO), then I guess no one should be entittled to do so.

[Melbourne Park]

I do not know or care if Lauda is a nice guy or personal things like that.

Lauda can be assessed in many ways I suppose. I for one think its good that he's still around motor racing; I enjoy the link with the past. I also like it that a champion driver can get into racing management positions, as not many champions have done so.

I also take many of the things said in the daily media with a table spoon of salt. Because I think that you cannot trust what you read in the daily media, or even what you see. Whenever I actually know something first hand that has been reported in the daily media, it seems either wrong or to have missed the point.

Lauda can be assessed on his driving record, his business record and lots of other ways. The issue with him saying things about F1, is that not only does he say things, as many do, but when he does quite a lot seems to get reported. As to how accurate what he says is reported, and what his intention was, is probably different from what the media report.

Concerning the disciplining of drivers for the recent crashing into others, Lauda was one of several who criticised the crashes and wanted something done.

[FordFan]

In case anyone cares, to be more clear, Lauda does not work for Jaguar, he works for Ford and is in charge of their Premier Sports division, which includes Jaguar, Pi, and Cosworth.

[Gary Grant]

If everyone looked at my original post they would see that there are serious concerns about Lauda's ability to manage and handle other people, irrespective of any immature comments about his accident.

The man is only interested in himself. And as for saying he was more influential in safety than Stewart........:lol:

Please prove that assertion.