It was the same with Schumacher: the need for the adrenaline rush, to push himself to the limit was always there. So without a Formula One car to race with he went on to do motorcycle racing and other stupid things, and obviously that wasn't enough to keep him happy, so he had a problem to sort out and returning to racing was his answer to the problem.
Niki LaudaWhenever there is discussion, I make it clear that I do not want any grey zones, just black and white.
Niki LaudaThe crucial point is always the own cost structure. Therefore I created a Low Cost alliance with air Berlin.
Niki LaudaIf you are a straightforward racing driver you should always see your limits. You have to be objective and not come up with any bullshit.
Niki LaudaTaking your first title is much more complicated and more difficult; it takes years of work - from go-kart to Formula One. The second comes more easily, because you've already got the experience.
Niki LaudaFrom success, you learn absolutely nothing. From failure and setbacks conclusions can be drawn. That goes for your private life as well as your career.
Niki LaudaSebastian [ Vettel] can also learn to be more laid-back. It's never too late to learn. He's got some way to go. He's young and will turn out well. I'm not worried about that. He'll raise the bar ever higher.
Niki LaudaUltimately, an aircraft owner does not want to have to deal with all the intricate details which are necessary for the business.
Niki LaudaThe alliance with air Berlin is attractive for me. I can use the whole sales network of the air Berlin and 24 percent of my own airline at air Berlin sold.
Niki LaudaA lot of people criticize Formula 1 as an unnecessary risk. But what would life be like if we only did what is necessary?
Niki LaudaI am someone who places great value on the detail. That was always the case, even in my days as a racing driver.
Niki LaudaI always want to know whether the customers are satisfied; customer satisfaction is, after all, my ultimate goal!
Niki LaudaReally, you should always discuss the defeats because you can learn much more from failure than from success.
Niki LaudaIn Germany air became generally accepted Berlin in this area. It operated with 45 airplanes within the Low Cost range from Germany, and is one the most successful carriers in Europe.
Niki LaudaAirlines go in the long run at the competition to reason. For the passenger the competition is good, because each competitor tries to undercut the other one.
Niki LaudaYou appreciate that it is very easy to die and you have to arrange your life to cope with that reality.
Niki LaudaIf you are for a long time at the top you've basically achieved everything you wanted to. Then the ball's breaking stuff starts to be too much: it's not what you do in the car, it's what you do outside the car - the press conferences, the interviews, the sponsorship commitments, the marketing appearances - that sadly go up to a level that the whole package, including the risks you take, the workload you do to get the car to work and for you to be quick in the races, it becomes too much.
Niki LaudaWhen things change a lot, some guys handle the change better than others, but that doesn't mean the guys that take longer to get the hang of things are suddenly slow drivers!
Niki LaudaTo make a decision you need to be in a perfect environment: you have to be motivated and surrounded by the right people.
Niki LaudaBusiness is much less transparent than a win in a Grand Prix; in a race you drive over the finishing line first and you have won. In business it is different.
Niki LaudaI see myself as the mind of the business which takes care of every last detail; if you do not do this you cannot be fast enough.
Niki LaudaI was not interested at all in Formula One when I left; I was very busy with my airline. But slowly I started missing the adrenaline rush and the driving of such fantastic cars at the limit. In reality this urge never disappears when you're a top driver, because I think we're a different breed of people, we need to take chances, we need to push ourselves to the limit all the time, that sort of thing. It stays with you, although you can kill it by losing motivation or other things in your life, but it never leaves you forever.
Niki LaudaI employ 20 people in Vienna. The other 130 coworkers are pilots and flight companions. The Overhead is limited with me. Reduces naturally the costs of my fliers.
Niki LaudaYou have a brake in your brain that stops you doing stupid things. The older you are, the earlier that brake comes on. When you're 20 you stop at nothing; when you're older you're cleverer than when you're 20, so your brain brake operates more often!
Niki Lauda