Niki Lauda's career in quotes: 'I had a reason to look ugly. Most people don't.'

Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda's career in quotes: 'I had a reason to look ugly. Most people don't.'

He had a way with words.

Paul Macdonald

Tuesday 21 May 2019 17:00 Updated: 17:05

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Niki Lauda was not only one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1, he was also one of the most outspoken sportsmen in history.

Always known for an acerbic comment about his rivals, he always gave the media a piece of his mind - but was also respectful of the drivers both from his generation and more recently.

LAUDA IN QUOTES

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On his accident: "I have a reason to look ugly. Most people don't." (Interview with Graham Bensinger)

Lauda famously refused to race in Fuji in the last race of the 1976 season in protest at having to race in dangerous conditions.

He said: "For me it was ridiculous. Because of a stupid TV deal we had to go out there and risk our lives. No one could see anything. It was a disaster.

“So then I decided for myself that television was not a good enough reason for me to race. So I told Ferrari beforehand I would do one lap, which I did, and then I stopped. I have no regrets." (Guardian)

On James Hunt: "We had a respectful, nice relationship. We trusted each other. He would not push you off the road, which in those days was important."(Telegraph)

On which era he would have preferred to have raced in: "Today. They get 10 times the money and no risk. At the same time it gets boring at some stage." (Guardian)

On his approach to racing: "I was someone who placed great value on the detail. That was always the case, even in my days as a racing driver." (Reuters)

On Michael Schumacher: "He was the greatest driver of them all. He was the perfect racer, with speed, instinct and a great technical understanding." (Guardian)

After his crash: "People ask me 'why did you never have an operation, to which I would say, where the f**k do I find an ear? It's a very simple answer." (Reuters)

On watching himself in the movie, Rush: "At the time I got upset with those people when they never looked in my eyes. But in the movie, I was the spectator, on the other side. And I tell you, they were right." (Reuters)

And finally, on his famous red cap: "The cap is my protection from stupid people looking at me stupidly."