Marlene Knaus was once a well-known model. But most people remember her as the ex-wife of Niki Lauda, the famous Formula One driver. Niki was a three-time F1 world champion, and their marriage brought Marlene into the spotlight.

She was loved for her beauty, her grace, and her support during Niki’s hardest moments. But after they divorced, Marlene quietly disappeared from public life. Many people wonder what happened to her. Is she still alive? Where is she now?

In this article, we will explore who Marlene Knaus is, how she met Niki Lauda, their marriage, their children, and what her life looked like back then. In the second half, we’ll find out where she is now, what her life looks like today, and answer some popular questions about her.

Marlene Knaus Profile Summary

Who Is Marlene Knaus

Marlene Knaus was a model in the 1970s. She was known for her classic beauty and her stylish looks. People loved her simple fashion and her famous loose hairdo, which became her signature.

She was born in 1956 in the United States, and her family has Venezuelan roots. Later, she became an Austrian citizen, especially after marrying Niki Lauda. She always kept her personal life private, even before she became famous.

Marlene became more popular when she started dating Niki Lauda. Their relationship made her a known name in the racing and celebrity world.

How Did Marlene Knaus Meet Niki Lauda?

Marlene met Niki Lauda at a dinner party in Salzburg, Austria. The party was hosted by someone she knew well — actor Curd Jürgens, who was also her boyfriend at that time.

After that night, Marlene and Niki felt a strong connection. Their bond grew quickly. Not long after they met, she broke off her relationship with Curd, and Niki and Marlene started dating.

Their relationship moved fast, and just a few months later, they got married in 1976. It was the beginning of a long and very public love story.

Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Marriage

Marlene and Niki were married for 16 years. Their marriage was often seen as strong and supportive. Marlene was by Niki’s side through some very tough times.

One of those times was in 1976, the same year they got married. Niki had a terrible accident during a race in Germany. He was badly burned and almost died. Many people thought Marlene would leave him because of how serious the injuries were.

But instead, Marlene stayed by his side. She took care of him in the hospital and supported him while he recovered. Niki even said in an interview that she was “a fantastic woman” and always supported him — even when it was hard for her.

Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda’s Children

During their marriage, Marlene and Niki had two sons:

• Lukas Lauda, born in 1979

• Mathias Lauda, born in 1981

Both sons were raised mostly away from the spotlight. Mathias followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional race car driver. He even won a big racing title in 2017.

Lukas, on the other hand, didn’t race but still stayed in the racing world. He became his brother’s manager and helped run their sports business.

Marlene focused on raising her sons with care and privacy. Even after her divorce, she stayed close to them and helped guide their lives.

Why Did Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda Divorce?

After 16 years of marriage, Marlene and Niki divorced in 1991. Many people were surprised by the news. To the public, they looked like a happy couple.

The exact reason for their divorce was never fully explained. But some reports say that Niki had a relationship with another woman and had a child outside the marriage. This may have been one of the reasons for the split.

Even though the marriage ended, they stayed respectful. They worked together to raise their sons and kept their personal lives out of the media.

Was Marlene Knaus in the Movie Rush?

Yes — kind of. Marlene wasn’t in the movie herself, but her story was shown in the 2013 movie Rush. The film was about Niki Lauda’s racing career and his rivalry with British driver James Hunt.

In the movie, Marlene was played by Alexandra Maria Lara, a Romanian-German actress. She did a great job showing Marlene’s caring nature and quiet strength.

Rush made more people curious about Marlene. It reminded the world how much she supported Niki — even in his most painful moments.

Is Marlene Knaus Still Alive?

Yes, Marlene Knaus is still alive as of 2026. Over the years, there have been rumors online saying she had passed away. But these were just misunderstandings.

Many people confused her with the death of Niki Lauda, who passed away in 2019. He was 70 years old when he died, after health problems that included a lung transplant. Because Marlene was once so close to Niki, some people wrongly assumed she had died too.

But the truth is, Marlene chose to live a very private life. She simply stepped away from the spotlight, and that’s why people don’t hear about her anymore.

Where Is Marlene Knaus Today?

So, where is Marlene Knaus, Niki Lauda’s ex-wife, now? She is believed to be living in Ibiza, a quiet and beautiful island in Spain. Some reports say that Niki Lauda left her a house there as part of his will.

She may also spend time in Austria, where she lived for many years during her marriage to Niki. But overall, Marlene has stayed away from the media and doesn’t use social media either.

Today, she enjoys a peaceful life, far from cameras and interviews. Many people admire how she handled fame and how she chose to live life on her own terms.

Marlene Knaus’ Life After Divorce

After the divorce in 1991, Marlene disappeared from the public eye. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, she didn’t write a book, give interviews, or join reality shows.

She never remarried, and there are no public records of her dating anyone else. Instead, she chose to stay single and focus on her two sons.

Marlene kept things private. Even when Niki remarried and had twins with his second wife, Birgit Wetzinger, Marlene stayed respectful and quiet. She let her sons stay close to both parents, which shows her grace and maturity.

Marlene Knaus Net Worth in 2026

People often ask about Marlene Knaus’ net worth. While the exact number is not known, it is believed she is worth around $43 million in 2026.

This money likely comes from:

• Her work as a model in the 1970s

• Her divorce settlement from Niki Lauda

• An inheritance from Niki’s estate (he was worth about $200 million)

She is also believed to own the Ibiza home left to her by Niki. Marlene may live a quiet life, but she is not struggling financially.

 Final Thoughts

Marlene Knaus, the ex-wife of Niki Lauda, lived a life full of love, challenges, and change. She was there during Niki’s toughest moments, helped raise two sons, and chose privacy over fame.

While others chased the spotlight, Marlene walked away from it. She showed us that you can be strong, loyal, and graceful — without needing to be seen.

Today, her story is still inspiring. Whether she’s in Ibiza or Austria, Marlene Knaus reminds us that real strength often stays quiet. And sometimes, the most unforgettable people are the ones who simply live with peace, love, and dignity.

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