Mathias Lauda
An endurance racing champion who forged his own successful path in motorsport, distinct from the towering legacy of his father, Niki Lauda.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Austrian racing driver·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Mathias Lauda clinched the FIA World Endurance Championship LMGTE Am class title in 2017, partnering with Paul Dalla Lana and Pedro Lamy for Aston Martin Racing. Born in 1981, he entered racing under his father Niki Lauda's long shadow. He built his career through Porsche Carrera Cup and other series, earning a reputation for consistency and technical feedback. Endurance sports car racing became his arena. The championship season included victories in long-distance classics like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This world title proved his merit as a driver in a fiercely competitive field. He navigated inevitable comparisons to his father with grace while achieving the highest honor in his discipline.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mathias was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mathias Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mathias's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMGTE Am drivers' title in 2017 with Aston Martin Racing.
- Secured multiple class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of his WEC campaign.
- Competed professionally in the Porsche Supercup and other international GT series.
- Served as a test and development driver for the Aston Martin Racing team.
Did You Know?
His brother, Lukas Lauda, acted as his manager throughout his racing career.
He initially trained and worked as a commercial pilot before focusing fully on racing.
He competed under the surname 'Lauda' but has always been open about the challenges and benefits of his famous family name.
He participated in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race multiple times.
“I race for myself, in my own lane, and that's the only way to do it.”
