Niki Lauda

Austria has issued more stamps related to Formula One Sports than any other country in the world. It hosted its first race in 1964 and the last race in 2003. Jochen Rindt and Niki Lauda are the only 2 Formula One Champions from Austria till date. In 2005 Austria post issued two commemorative stamps ( through special issue series ) to honor these champions. Niki Lauda has won 3 Formula One Championships ( 1975 , 1977 & 1984 ) , 2 of them with the team Ferrari and the remaining one with team Mclaren. The other drivers who have won 3 Formula One Championships are Jack Brabham , Jackie Stewart , Nelson Piquet and Aryton Senna.

In the year 1976 Niki Lauda survived an accident in the German Grand Prix which could have almost cost his life but fortunately for him he was back to the racing track after a gap of 6 weeks and finished fourth in the Italian Grand Prix. This was considered as one of the remarkable comeback in the history of Formula One.

The stamp features a portrait of Niki Lauda , his signature and a Ferrari Formula One racing car in the background. The top of the stamp has a title "Formula 1 Legends". ( Formel 1 Legenden ).

Ferrari 2000 Formula One Champions

Scuderia Ferrari's sheer dominance in Formula One Racing was unbeatable from 1999 to 2008 where it won a total of 8 Constructors Championships. They won a straight 6 Constructors Championships from 1999 to 2004. Ferrari is the only constructor to win more than 10 Championships , the only team(s) that comes close to winning more championships are Williams (9) and Mclaren (8). 16 Constructor Championships wins till this date still looks invincible.

In the year 2001 Poste Italiane issued a commemorative miniature sheet to celebrate the Ferrari's 2000 Constructor Championships - "Formula 1 World Champions" ( Campionidel Mondo 2000 ). The stamp features the Ferrari F1-2000 car ( Chasis ~ F1-2000 , Engine ~ Ferrari 049 ) with the chequered flag in the background. The miniature sheet features a prancing horse ( Ferrari's symbol ) in the background and the stamp placed at the bottom in the middle of the sheet. Red and green blocks with combination of white symbolizes Italian flag.

A treat for Tifosi..indeed.