Marlene Knaus Biography: Model, Mother, and Niki Lauda’s Ex-Wife

Marlene Knaus is a former model and interior designer, best known as the ex-wife of the late Formula One legend, Niki Lauda. She became popular in the 1960s for her beauty, style, and charm. Many people still remember her for her elegant looks and calm personality.

Even after all these years, people are still curious about her life. Who was she before marrying Niki Lauda? What is she doing now? And how did her life change after the divorce? If you’ve ever wondered about these things, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in and explore the life of Marlene Knaus, from her early days to her quiet life today. Her story is full of love, challenges, and strength, and it’s one that many find inspiring.

Marlene Knaus Quick Bio

Marlene Knaus’s Early Life And Background

Marlene Knaus was born in 1956 in the United States. She has Venezuelan roots, which adds a rich cultural background to her life. Later on, she became an Austrian citizen after marrying Niki Lauda. Her exact birthdate is not known, and she has always kept her childhood very private.

We don’t know much about her parents, her education, or her siblings. That’s because Marlene has always been someone who values her privacy. She never talked about her early years in interviews or with the media. This mystery around her early life only made people more curious about her.

Even without many details, it’s clear that Marlene carried herself with grace and class from a young age. This natural elegance helped her step into the world of fashion and modeling, where she made a big impression.

Rise To Fame As A Fashion Model

Marlene became well-known in the 1960s when she started modeling. She had a soft charm that made her stand out. With her natural beauty, flowing hair, and stylish clothes, she quickly became a fashion icon. People even started calling her the “It Girl” of that time.

She worked with many big fashion brands and appeared in top magazines. Her signature hairstyle—loose and flowing—became a popular trend. Many women admired her look and tried to copy her simple yet classy style. Her face became a favorite for photographers and designers.

Even though her modeling career didn’t last very long, it left a lasting impact. She showed that you don’t need to be loud to be noticed. Her quiet confidence made her unforgettable in the world of fashion, and that’s something people still remember.

How Marlene Met Niki Lauda

Marlene met Niki Lauda in 1975 at a dinner party hosted by the actor Curt Jurgens. At that time, Curt was actually Marlene’s boyfriend. Niki was also engaged to someone else—Mariella von Reininghaus. But when Marlene and Niki met, something just clicked.

They felt a strong connection right away. Even though both were in relationships, they couldn’t ignore how they felt. Within two months, they both ended their past relationships and started dating each other. Their bond grew stronger with time.

This unusual start to their love story got a lot of attention. But despite how it began, their relationship was real and full of care. Just a year after they met, Marlene and Niki decided to get married. Their story showed how love can appear in unexpected ways.

Marriage To Niki Lauda

Marlene and Niki got married in 1976. The wedding was a small, private event with family and close friends. After the wedding, Marlene became an Austrian citizen. From that point on, she was often seen beside Niki at events and races, always calm and supportive.

During their marriage, Niki was at the peak of his Formula One career. He won world titles and became one of the most famous race drivers in the world. Marlene stayed out of the spotlight as much as she could, but her presence in Niki’s life was strong and steady.

Their marriage lasted for 15 years. In that time, Marlene supported Niki through the highs and lows of his career. She was there after his terrible crash in 1976, helping him recover. Together, they shared both joy and pain, and for many years, they looked like the perfect team.

Marlene And Niki’s Children

Marlene and Niki had two children together. Their first son, Lukas Lauda, was born in 1979. Their second son, Mathias Lauda, was born in 1981. Lukas later became Mathias’s manager, and Mathias followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a professional race car driver.

In 1982, Niki had an affair that led to the birth of another son, Christoph. Even after this difficult moment, Marlene stayed with Niki. She chose to keep her family together, and they remained married for nine more years after the affair.

Raising her sons quietly, Marlene focused on being a mother. She stayed strong for her children and gave them a stable life, even when things around them were changing. Today, her sons continue to speak kindly of her, which shows how much they value her role in their lives.

Struggles And Divorce

Even though Marlene and Niki stayed together after the affair, their relationship slowly changed. The trust between them wasn’t the same, and over time, it became hard to keep the marriage going. They finally got divorced in 1991, after 15 years of marriage.

Neither Marlene nor Niki ever spoke publicly about the reasons for their divorce. They chose to stay silent and respectful. There was no drama in the media, and they both focused on their own lives afterward. This quiet and respectful ending is part of what made Marlene different from many other famous people.

The divorce wasn’t easy, but Marlene handled it with grace. She didn’t speak badly of Niki and continued to focus on her children and her personal peace. Her quiet strength during this time made people admire her even more.

Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Marlene moved to Ibiza, Spain. She decided to step away from the public eye and start a peaceful life. In Ibiza, she found the quiet and privacy she had always wanted. She didn’t give interviews or attend events. She just lived a simple life.

Even though she was no longer married to Niki, Marlene stayed connected to his family. When Niki was in the hospital in his final days, Marlene was there along with his second wife, Birgit. This shows the kind of person she is—graceful, forgiving, and deeply kind.

Today, Marlene continues to live in Ibiza. She enjoys being with her family, cooking, and taking care of animals. She lives far away from fame, choosing peace over attention. That choice says a lot about her true personality.

Niki Lauda’s Death And Her Support

Niki Lauda passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 70. He died in his sleep at the University Hospital in Zurich while undergoing dialysis for kidney problems. Before this, he had already received two kidney transplants and a lung transplant.

During his health struggles, Marlene remained close to the family. Even though Niki had remarried, Marlene was still part of his world. She was one of the few people by his side in his final moments, along with his wife Birgit. That moment showed how much love and respect remained between them.

Marlene didn’t speak to the media after his death. She stayed silent, as she always had. But those who knew Niki say she was a strong and peaceful presence in his life until the very end. That says everything about the deep connection they shared.

The Inheritance And Estate Dispute

When Niki passed away, he left behind a large estate worth around $200 million. In his will, Marlene and her sons were included. However, his second wife Birgit and their twins were not listed in the original will, which led to a court case in 2024.

Birgit went to court to claim her share of the inheritance and later won 16% of the total assets. Even with this legal issue, Marlene remained quiet and respectful, as always. She didn’t get involved publicly, and the matter was settled in court without any media drama.

Marlene received a large part of the inheritance, which added to her financial stability. Her net worth as of 2025 was reported to be around $43 to $50 million. This allowed her to continue living a quiet, comfortable life in Ibiza without any financial worries.

Where Is Marlene Knaus Now?

As of 2025, Marlene Knaus is living a quiet life in Ibiza, Spain. She has fully stepped away from public life. She doesn’t use social media, avoids the spotlight, and spends her time enjoying peaceful moments with her family and pets.

Many people still wonder about her, but she chooses not to share her life with the world. That decision shows her deep love for privacy. She lives in a house that Niki reportedly bought for her, surrounded by nature and calm.

Marlene’s story is one of beauty, strength, and peace. Even though she was once part of the glamorous world of fashion and Formula One, she has found happiness in silence and simplicity. That makes her story very special.

Final Thoughts

Marlene Knaus is more than just the ex-wife of a racing legend. She is a woman of grace, strength, and quiet power. From her modeling days in the 1960s to her life with Niki Lauda and beyond, she has always stayed true to herself.

She faced tough moments—like public attention, heartbreak, and divorce—but she never lost her calm nature. She raised her children with love and lived her life with dignity. Even today, people admire her for the way she handled fame and personal challenges.

We hope you find this article helpful and inspiring. Marlene Knaus’s journey is a reminder that you don’t need to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the strongest people are the quietest ones.

(FAQs)

Was Marlene Knaus dating someone when she met Niki Lauda?

Yes, she was dating actor Curt Jurgens when she first met Niki Lauda.

Did Marlene stay with Niki even after his affair?

Surprisingly, yes—she stayed with him for nine more years after his affair and only divorced in 1991.

Was Marlene present during Niki Lauda’s final days?

Yes, Marlene was by his side in the hospital along with his second wife, Birgit.

Did Niki Lauda’s second wife sue for his fortune?

Yes, in 2024, Birgit Wetzinger sued for part of Niki’s estate and won 16% of it.

Is Marlene Knaus active on social media?

No, she deleted all her social media in 2014 and has lived completely off the radar since.

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