Lauda’s unforgettable comeback at the 1976 Italian Grand Prix

Lauda made an unlikely but remarkable comeback at the 1976 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, in one of the bravest acts in F1 history, following a fiery crash at the German Grand Prix 42 days earlier.

 

42 days prior to the defending champions return he was dragged out of his flaming Ferrari following a crash at the Nürburgring at the German Grand Prix. Lauda suffered facial burns and flame inhalation following the life-threatening accident.

 

Lauda returned in Monza with a title to defend, having won the championship in 1975. Enzo Ferrri not expecting his driver to return to the sport following the fatal crash, wasted no time when bringing in Carlos Reutemann to replace Lada, and partner Regazzoni. Ferrari was not amused when Lauda decided to make a return to the cockpit just over a month after the accident.

 

Going into qualifying Lauda was fastest of the Ferrari drivers, qualifying in 5th, Reutemann his replacement, qualified 7th, while his teammate Regazzoni, qualified behind in 9th. Lauda would make up one place in the race to finish in 4th for Sunday’s race, Hunt would retire out of the race, allowing Lauda to extend his advantage in the championship.

 

Going into the final race of the season at the Japanese Grand Prix, Lauda after a chaotic season, led Hunt in the championship. The conditions in Japan were wet, leading to Lauda’s retirement out of the race, which he would later reveal to be due to the driver being ‘panic-stricken’. With Lauda out of the race, Hunt was able to walk away with the 1975 championship title, with a one-point lead over Lauda.

 

Lauda would comeback the next season to claim his second Formula One title with Ferrari.