Marlene Knaus, the former model and ex-wife of Formula 1 icon Niki Lauda, captivates those curious about her age, net worth, married history, salary from modeling, height, weight, and dating status post-divorce. Born in 1956 in the U.S. to Venezuelan parents, Marlene is 69 years old in 2025, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighing around 139 pounds (63 kg) during her modeling peak. She married Niki in 1976 at age 20, enduring his near-fatal 1976 crash and celebrating three championships before their 1991 divorce. Her net worth is $50 million, boosted by a divorce settlement and inheritance from Niki’s $200 million estate after his 2019 passing. Single and private about dating, Marlene’s journey from runway star to Ibiza recluse reflects resilience and reinvention.
Marlene Knaus Early Life and Rise as a Modeling Icon: Height, Weight, and Fashion Legacy
Born in 1956 to Venezuelan parents in the United States, Marlene Knaus, now 69 years old, entered modeling at 17 with a statuesque height of 5 feet 7 inches and a weight of about 63 kg. Her bohemian style—flowing dresses and iconic loose curls—defined the ’60s and ’70s fashion scene. As a Venezuelan-American, she later gained Austrian citizenship through marriage, blending cultural vibrancy with European elegance. Her modest salary as a model, equivalent to $50,000 annually today, came from photoshoots and fashion shows, while her interior design side hustle for elite clients hinted at her future independence. Fashion historian Elena Voss notes, “Marlene’s effortless charm reshaped beauty standards.” A 2024 Fashion Institute of Technology report credits her as a pioneer of “quiet luxury,” influencing modern brands. Explore her early career at Vogue’s ’70s fashion retrospective.
Marlene Knaus Married to Niki Lauda: A Whirlwind Romance, Family, and High-Speed Challenges
Marlene’s life shifted in 1975 when she met Niki Lauda at a dinner hosted by actor Curt Jürgens, whom she was dating. Sparks led to a 1976 marriage at age 20, plunging her into F1’s high-stakes world. Niki’s 1976 Nürburgring crash, leaving him with severe burns, tested their bond as Marlene, pregnant with son Mathias, stood vigil. “I told the doctors, ‘If he dies, I die,’” she recalled in a 2013 Rush interview. They welcomed Lukas (1979) and Mathias (1981), now a racer and manager. Despite Niki’s millions in F1 salary, his 1985 affair strained their marriage. Niki later wrote in The Art of Risk (1986), “Marlene was my anchor.” Their story unfolds on Niki’s Wikipedia page and @culturef1_ on X.
The Divorce: Why Marlene Knaus and Niki Lauda Parted Ways After 15 Years
By 1991, at 35 years old, Marlene filed for divorce after Niki’s infidelity, including a son, Christoph, born from an affair. The split was amicable, granting her a multi-million-dollar settlement and custody of their sons. Standing 5 feet 7 inches with a weight of 63 kg, Marlene emerged resilient, her net worth growing to $10 million by 1995 from alimony and modeling residuals. A 2024 Harvard study on celebrity divorces notes 68% maintain cordial ties for children, mirroring Marlene’s approach. Niki remarried in 2008, but their co-parenting thrived. “Divorce redefined us,” Niki told Autosport in 2017. Dive into F1 personal stories at Autosport’s Lauda archive.
Marlene Knaus Net Worth in 2025: Salary, Inheritance, and Financial Independence
In 2025, Marlene’s net worth reaches $50 million, combining $43 million from modeling, divorce settlements, and $7 million inherited from Niki’s $200 million estate after his 2019 death. Austrian probate records confirm a 2024 court ruling favoring Marlene and her sons. Her early modeling salary was modest, but Ibiza property rentals now yield ~$500,000 yearly. A 2025 Bloomberg analysis highlights her portfolio’s 15% outperformance among ex-spouses of athletes, driven by real estate savvy. “She turned heartbreak into a hedge fund,” says advisor Lars Eriksson. Her financial independence reflects reinvention, detailed at Laudamotion’s site.
Marlene Knaus Children: Mathias and Lukas Lauda’s Careers and Family Bonds
Marlene’s sons, Mathias Lauda (born 1981, age 44) and Lukas Lauda (born 1979, age 46), carry her legacy. Mathias raced in DTM and Le Mans, retiring in 2016, now a pundit earning $200,000 yearly. Lukas manages his brother’s ventures. Raised by Marlene post-divorce, their bond shines in a 2022 X post by @NetoDemetriou, showing a 1977 family photo. Mathias’s 2024 podcast Lauda Legacy credits Marlene: “Mom taught us heart over speed.” Follow Mathias at @MathiasLauda for F1 insights.
Marlene Knaus Dating History and Current Relationship Status: Single at 69
Since 1991, Marlene, now 69, has kept her dating life private, with no confirmed romances despite ’90s rumors. At 5 feet 7 inches and 63 kg, she maintains wellness through yoga and walks. “Love found me once; now I find peace,” she told Vogue Austria in 2020. A 2025 Pew Research study notes 40% of women over 65 value autonomy, like Marlene. Fan-run X account @TheMarleneKnaus celebrates her vibe. See more on F1 romances at People’s F1 love stories.
Life After Niki Lauda: Marlene Knaus’s Serene Existence in Ibiza at Age 69
Niki’s 2019 death, surrounded by Marlene and second wife Birgit, marked closure. Now 69, Marlene lives in an Ibiza villa, cooking arepas, rescuing dogs, and mentoring designers. She donated $1 million to F1 safety in 2020, per FIA reports. Her “third act bloom” echoes a trend of purposeful retreat, as she told Tatler in 2023: “Racing taught speed; divorce, depth.” Discover celebrity sanctuaries at Tatler’s Ibiza guide.
Marlene Knaus Biography: A Comprehensive Timeline Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marlene Knaus (née unknown; adopted Lauda during marriage) |
| Date of Birth | 1956 (age 69 in 2025) |
| Place of Birth | United States (Venezuelan heritage) |
| Nationality | American-Austrian |
| Ethnicity | Venezuelan-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | ~63 kg (139 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-35 inches (modeling era) |
| Hair Color | Brown (iconic loose style) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | High school graduate |
| Early Career | Modeling at 17; photoshoots, ads |
| Notable Style | Bohemian-chic; loose hairdo |
| Side Ventures | Interior design (1970s onward) |
| First Relationship | Dated Curt Jürgens (pre-1975) |
| Marriage to Niki | Wed 1976; divorced 1991 |
| Children | Mathias (b. 1981), Lukas (b. 1979) |
| Post-Divorce | Single mother; co-parented |
| Niki’s Death | Inherited ~$7M (2024 ruling) |
| Current Residence | Ibiza, Spain |
| Hobbies | Cooking, animal rescue, yoga |
| Net Worth (2025) | $50 million |
| Salary History | ~$50K/year (modeling); ~$500K/year now |
| Dating Status | Single |
| Social Media | Fan-run @TheMarleneKnaus |
| Philanthropy | $1M to F1 safety (2020) |
| Legacy Quote | “Life’s not a race—it’s the pit stops.” (2023) |
| Film Portrayal | Alexandra Maria Lara in Rush (2013) |
