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 ).