Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda (born 22 February 1949 in Vienna, State of Vienna, Austria) is a retired Austrian Formula One driver and avaiation entrepeneur. He is a three-time World Champion, winning the title in 1975, 1977 and 1984. He also nearly won the 1976 title, despite a massive crash at the German Grand Prix which left him with severe burns, and almost killed him. He currently serves as chairman for Mercedes Grand Prix.