Is Niki Lauda the Greatest F1 Driver after Michael Schumacher?

While some fans and analysts argue that Niki Lauda deserves the title of the greatest driver after Michael Schumacher, others might point to significant figures such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, or more recent champions like Lewis Hamilton, who has surpassed Schumacher's record of seven championships.

Lauda’s Legacy

Lauda’s legacy is characterized by his exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, earning him a prominent place among the all-time greats. However, opinions on the best F1 driver are subjective and often debated by passionate fans and respected analysts alike.

A Candidate for the Top Spot

While Lauda is on the shortlist, one of the most compelling arguments in his favor is how he performed when he did not have the best car in the grid. The most crucial metric to determine true greatness in F1 is a driver’s ability to do well, or even win the Drivers’ Championship, in a season when they were not driving the best car.

The 1977 Season: An Improbable Triumph

Lauda’s 1977 championship victory, particularly, stands out as an improbable feat. A little history: after dominating the 1975 and the first half of 1976 until his fateful accident, Lauda retired from the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix in fear for his life. He essentially gave up the championship crown to Jim Clark Hunt. Despite the accident, Enzo Ferrari branded him as a coward who had lost his edge. However, he remained under contract, staying with Ferrari for the 1977 season.

The cars themselves played a crucial role. The Ferrari 312T of 1975 was brilliant, showcasing an amazing short wheelbase, a powerful engine, and clean aerodynamics. The 1976 model was a slight evolution, and while it continued to dominate early in the season, it faced tougher competition in the second half, battling the latest McLaren M23 and the Lotus 77, which emerged with significant improvements.

The 1977 season worsened for Ferrari. They continued with the proven 312T platform, only slightly upgrading it to the 312T2. McLaren debuted a brand new car, the M26, designed for the 1976 season but deemed too innovative at the time. Lotus made a major breakthrough with the 78 model, featuring ground effect, which although not fully effective, was still far ahead of the competition. Additionally, the Wolf team made a significant entry with a conventional yet highly effective car.

Lauda’s performance that year was nothing short of extraordinary. He not only outperformed the perceived Ferrari contender, Reutemann, but also beat the McLaren of Jacky Ickx and the Lotus of Emerson Fittipaldi. His championship victory in 1977 exemplifies his determination and skill under challenging circumstances, making him a strong candidate for the greatest F1 driver after Schumacher.