--- title: "The F1 Helmet Niki Lauda Wore in the Nurburgring Crash Is Going to Auction" description: "The helmet Niki Lauda wore during his tragic Nurburgring crash is headed to auction and a percentage of proceeds go to UNICEF." date: "2024-05-05" modified: "2024-05-05" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-f1-helmet-niki-lauda-wore-in-the-nurburgring-crash-is-going-to-auction" categories: - "News" --- # The F1 Helmet Niki Lauda Wore in the Nurburgring Crash Is Going to Auction ![]() *Bonhams* On August 1, 1976, Formula 1 legend[ Niki Lauda ]()was in a horrifying crash during the F1 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. The crash resulted in Lauda being severely burned and nearly dying. Fortunately, he survived and went on to have not only an incredible career but remarkable life. Due to that extraordinary life, F1 collectors will be very interested to know that the helmet he wore during that terrible crash is headed to auction. The helmet is being auctioned by [Bonhams]() in Miami and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to UNICEF, though it doesn't say what percentage. However, at least some good will be done with the money, and the helmet is expected to sell for between $50,000-$60,000. Lauda's Ferrari AGV helmet is painted in a simple red livery, with its Goodyear sponsor, Italian flag stickers, and a damaged Romerquelle sticker. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Days before the German Grand Prix, Lauda expressed concern over the safety, or lack thereof, at the Nurburgring, especially since rain was expected. Lauda wanted to boycott the race but most of the drivers voted against him, so the race continued and Lauda crashed. However, despite the evident damage, Lauda's helmet actually came off during the crash, which is why his face, head, and lugs were exposed to the flames and intense heat. Lauda tragically suffered scarring on his face, severe lung damage, lost most of the hair on the right side of his head, and lost much of his right ear. When Lauda arrived at the hospital, he was read his last rights, as he wasn't expected to survive. And yet, just 42 days later, despite being in immense pain, Lauda raced in the Italian Grand Prix and came in fourth place. It might seem a bit morbid to buy and own the helmet Lauda wore during a near-death experience. However, his helmet is a reminder of his courage, resilience, and astonishing life. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()