NIKI LAUDA - Iconic Speech

In anticipation of the upcoming 2021 Laureus World Sports Awards we’re taking a look back at some of the most iconic speeches from winners in the history of the event.

Triple world champion Niki Lauda was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award at the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2016.


The former Mercedes non-executive chairman was presented with the award by Lewis Hamilton and actor Daniel Bruhl, who played the Austrian in the critically-acclaimed 2013 film Rush about the 1976 Formula One season. It was the year of Lauda's close fight with James Hunt and horrific crash at the German Grand Prix, which left him with severe burns.


Lauda, who won the title in 1975, 1977 and 1984, said his award was a good reminder of the harder days he endured during his career.


Speaking at the ceremony, Lauda said:


"Thank you very much for this award, I know it's very important. But I want to say one thing, I've seen a lot of people here winning and losing. So I'd like to dedicate this award to the losers."


He finished his speech with a call to action:

“One thing is really worrying me – our world today is not really turning in the right direction. Sport I think should be the best ambassador for the future generation to bring us close together again.”


Lauda passed away in 2019, aged 70.

[mauricioespejo]

Niki is the only person who can give an iconic speech in under 50 words

[unclecousin]

“Winning is one thing, but out of losing I always learned more.”

RIP legend. his perseverance and endurance are shining examples to us all

[StephenLMW]

Niki Lauda is a true sporting GOAT, one of many GOATS and I think had he not had that dreadful crash in Germany 🇩🇪 he would have won more world titles, R.I.P 🇦🇹🇦🇹🇦🇹

[joseandrade]

Nikki Lauda, you were great at all stages of your life! Thankyou for your existence! ...

[Fpidis]

What an underestimated driver, I can't think of anyone that could have sustained such insane injuries and yet have come back to probably the most demanding sport in the world and climb to the top again. And who knows how many more titles he would have had if he had stayed with Ferrari until 82-83 before going to Mclaren instead of retiring.

[WAFFLNATORE]

The way they KEEP clapping For Niki YES

[Drenwickification]

Niki was such a great loss. I’m sure he didn’t stick around for longer, but at the same time I’m so glad he was so active with Mercedes at the end of his life so more fans could see how brilliant he was.

[liamfriel]

Great driver who also worked wonders in gaining compensation for the families of his airline passengers who were killed by negligence. 👍😁

[neverendingwinkleface]

They even had to make the video longer because they can’t contain such legendary words in such a tiny video

[ampshack-zr]

nico rosberg stands up first among all when niki walks up to the front
niki went to nico's home when he lost motivation mid season of 2016, the year nico won

[lewisnisbet]

I don't think Lewis Hamilton would be or won what he has is it was for him rip legend 😔

[markmarsh]

To measure Greatness in any person, just compare them to Niki Lauda.

[giusyserighelli]

😇😘😇 Forever 💓 Niki Lauda 💋 Forever 💓🦋💓🦋💓🦋💓💌😇💖😇🦋😇

[seanbonella]

apart from Senna and Clark, one of the best ever

[Rob-xnvr]

As an Austrian, Niki always was someone special, but in the old F1 days my idols name was James Hunt.

[leonidlemburg]

Niki had his heart in the right spot...he'll never be forgotten.

But please don't label these few words an "iconic speech" just to promote your own award show.

[dantefajardo]

The first thing you say is "shit" on a lifetime achievement award?

[MarcosdoHawaii]

"One thing is really worrying me – our world today is not really turning in the right direction."
He gave this speech at april 8, 2016. What he meant by that remark?
Mr. Lauda always strikes me as a inteligent and rational man.
But I feel he said that because of the US election and Trump running, and it's disappointing, if it's true.