Marlene Knaus is known by many as Niki Lauda’s ex-wife, but her story goes far beyond that title. While Niki Lauda’s name is famous around the world because of his incredible achievements in Formula 1, Marlene has chosen a much quieter life after their marriage. Her calm strength and graceful presence, especially during tough times, left a lasting impact.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Marlene’s life — from her early days as a model, to her marriage with Niki Lauda, to her decision to live a peaceful life after their divorce. We’ll dive into the moments that shaped her life and explore where she is today.
Marlene Knaus Quick Bio
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus |
| Born | 1956 |
| Age (2026) | 69 years old |
| Nationality | American-Austrian |
| Ethnicity | Venezuelan |
| Profession | Former Model, Designer |
| Ex-Husband | Niki Lauda |
| Children | Lukas and Mathias Lauda |
| Net Worth (2026) | $50 million |
| Residence | Ibiza, Spain |
| Social Media | None |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
Who Is Marlene Knaus?
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956 in the United States. Even though she was born in America, she has Venezuelan roots and later became an Austrian citizen after marrying Niki Lauda. Before she became famous as Niki’s wife, Marlene made a name for herself as a model in the 1960s and 70s.
She was often called the “It Girl” because of her natural beauty and effortless style. Marlene was different from many other models at the time — she wasn’t flashy, but rather elegant and graceful. This made her stand out in the fashion world. Despite her fame as a model, she never seemed to enjoy being in the spotlight. She preferred to keep her personal life private, which made her even more intriguing to the public.
Marlene Knaus, Niki Lauda’s Ex-Wife
Marlene’s life changed forever when she met Niki Lauda in the mid-1970s. At the time, Niki was already becoming a star in the world of Formula 1 racing. They met at a dinner party, but at that moment, Marlene was dating someone else, and Niki was engaged to another woman.
However, sparks flew between them, and just a few months later, they started dating. It was a surprising turn for both of them, but it was clear that they had found something special. Marlene and Niki married in 1976, and their relationship quickly became one of the most talked-about in the world of motorsport.
Even though Niki was famous, Marlene stayed calm and collected. She wasn’t interested in seeking attention. Instead, she stood by Niki’s side and supported him through his rise to fame. Their marriage symbolized a partnership of love, respect, and mutual admiration.
Life Before Niki Lauda
Before becoming known as Niki Lauda’s wife, Marlene had already built a successful career as a model. She was highly sought after by top designers and appeared in many fashion magazines. In fact, she was known for her signature loose hairstyle and timeless style, which inspired many women of her time.
Her beauty was natural, and she didn’t rely on heavy makeup or flashy clothes to stand out. Her style was simple but elegant, and this made her a trendsetter. After her time in modeling, Marlene shifted her focus to interior design, showing her creative side beyond the fashion world.
Though much of her interior design work remains private, it shows that Marlene had a deep appreciation for beauty and art, just like her fashion choices. She embraced creativity in many forms and found joy in making spaces beautiful, just as she did with her own life and personal style.
The Dramatic 1976 Crash
One of the most defining moments in Marlene and Niki’s life together was the terrible crash Niki experienced in 1976. Niki was racing at the Nürburgring Grand Prix in Germany when his car went off the track and caught fire. It was a horrific accident, and many people feared Niki wouldn’t survive.
During this terrifying time, Marlene showed an incredible amount of strength. She stayed by Niki’s side throughout his recovery, even though it was difficult. She visited him in the hospital, supported him during surgeries, and helped him through the painful recovery process.
Marlene didn’t seek media attention or speak publicly about her experience. Instead, her quiet presence and dedication spoke volumes. Niki later said that Marlene was amazing during that time, and her support helped him heal both physically and emotionally.
Marriage and Family
During their marriage, Marlene and Niki had two children: Lukas Lauda (born in 1979) and Mathias Lauda (born in 1981). Both sons grew up in the world of motorsport, surrounded by the fast-paced, thrilling life of racing.
Mathias followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional race car driver. He raced in various competitions around the world, making his own name in motorsport. Lukas, on the other hand, didn’t race but became involved in the industry in a different way — he worked as a manager for Mathias and helped guide his brother’s career.
Marlene’s role as a mother was always supportive, and she provided a stable home life for her children. Even though Niki’s career often kept him away from home, Marlene was there to support the family.
The Divorce
In 1991, after 15 years of marriage, Marlene and Niki decided to divorce. While the exact reasons for their split have never been fully shared, many speculated that Niki’s extramarital affairs may have played a role. At the time, there were rumors in the media about Niki’s relationships outside of his marriage, and these may have contributed to the couple’s decision to go their separate ways.
Despite the divorce, Marlene and Niki remained respectful toward each other. They never publicly discussed their private issues, and even after their split, they continued to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their children.
The divorce didn’t bring public drama; instead, Marlene quietly moved on with her life, choosing to remain private and avoid the media spotlight.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Niki Lauda in 1991, Marlene Knaus made a choice that many people respect today. Instead of staying in the public eye or seeking attention, she decided to live a quiet, peaceful life. She moved to Ibiza, Spain, where she enjoys the calmness of the island away from the rush of fame and media.
Marlene didn’t return to her modeling career or try to become a social media influencer. Instead, she focused on her family and her personal happiness. She loves spending time with her children and is known for being a calm, kind person. Marlene never chased the spotlight again, and her life became about living in peace.
Even though she stepped away from fame, Marlene’s story continues to inspire many. Her decision to focus on what makes her happy, rather than seeking fame, shows that it’s okay to take a step back and enjoy life on your own terms.
Marlene Knaus Today
Now, in 2026, Marlene Knaus still lives in Ibiza, where she enjoys a quiet and private life. While many people in her position might seek fame or share their lives on social media, Marlene has chosen to keep her life out of the public eye. She has no social media accounts and has kept a low profile since her divorce.
Marlene enjoys simple pleasures like cooking, spending time with her family, and caring for animals. She’s a kind person who loves helping others, but she does so quietly, away from the cameras. In a world where everyone is constantly sharing their lives online, Marlene’s choice to live privately is a reminder that peace and happiness can come from living for yourself, not for others’ attention.
The Lauda Legacy
Even after her divorce from Niki Lauda, Marlene stayed connected to him, especially after his health struggles in his later years. When Niki passed away in 2019, both Marlene and Niki’s second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, were by his side at the hospital.
Despite their past, Marlene and Birgit shared the responsibility of caring for Niki. They worked together to make sure he had the support he needed, showing that they both respected and cared for him, even after their relationships with him had ended.
This act of kindness is a reflection of the kind of person Marlene is: someone who values family and love, regardless of the challenges they’ve faced.
Marlene Knaus’s Net Worth
Marlene Knaus’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be around $50 million. Much of this comes from her divorce settlement with Niki Lauda and her inheritance from his estate after his death. Niki Lauda passed away in 2019 with a fortune worth $200 million, and Marlene received a part of that.
Her wealth also includes assets she inherited, like the home in Ibiza that Niki had bought. Although Marlene didn’t actively pursue a career in the public eye after her divorce, she has lived comfortably thanks to her smart financial decisions and the support she received from Niki.
Marlene’s Influence on Fashion
Marlene Knaus was a style icon in the 1970s. Even though she never tried to be the center of attention, her beauty and elegance made her stand out in the world of fashion. Her loose, natural hairstyle became a trend, and her simple, elegant fashion choices were admired by many.
Though she no longer works in the fashion industry, her legacy as a fashion icon lives on. People still look back at photos of Marlene from her modeling days and admire how she made simplicity look so stunning. Her style was timeless, and it continues to inspire fashion lovers today.
Conclusion
Marlene Knaus’s life story is one of quiet strength, grace, and the importance of living for yourself. From her days as a model to her marriage with Niki Lauda and their family life, Marlene always handled the spotlight with calm and dignity.
After her divorce, she chose to live a peaceful life in Ibiza, away from the media and public attention. She focused on her family and personal happiness, showing that it’s okay to step back from fame and live life on your own terms.
Today, Marlene Knaus’s story continues to inspire people who value privacy, grace, and the importance of family. She reminds us all that true happiness comes from living authentically, not from seeking fame or attention.
(FAQs)
Is Marlene Knaus still alive?
Marlene Knaus is still alive. She lives a quiet life in Ibiza, Spain, away from the spotlight.
How old is Marlene Knaus and when is her birthday?
Marlene Knaus was born in 1956, which makes her 69 years old in 2026. We don’t know her exact birthday, but she is doing well.
Did Marlene Knaus remarry after her divorce from Niki Lauda?
Marlene Knaus never remarried after her divorce from Niki Lauda. She chose to stay private and focus on her family.
Who is Marlene Knaus’s husband now?
Marlene Knaus does not have a husband right now. After her divorce, she has stayed away from the public and has not been in any public relationships.
Where does Marlene Knaus live today?
Marlene Knaus lives in Ibiza, Spain, where she enjoys a calm and private life.
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