Austria is home to some of the world’s best auto racing players. From Formula One to rallycross and touring car racing, Austria has been a hotbed of motorsport talent for over a century.
From the legendary Niki Lauda to the current crop of stars like Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Daniil Kvyat, the Austrian auto racing scene has produced some of the most successful drivers the world has ever seen.
This article will take a look at some of the greats of Austrian auto racing, along with some of the rising stars in the sport.
1. Niki Lauda
Andreas Nikolaus “Niki” Lauda was an Austrian Formula One driver who made an enormous impact on the sport. Lauda was born in 1949 in Vienna and began racing karts at the age of 14. He quickly moved up the ranks and by 1971 he was competing in Formula One.
His first win in the series was at the 1974 Spanish Grand Prix.Lauda went on to become one of the most successful drivers in Formula One history, winning the World Drivers’ Championship a record three times, in 1975, 1977 and 1984.
He is the only driver to have won multiple titles with both Ferrari and McLaren.
He became a household name due to his rivalry with fellow driver James Hunt, which was depicted in the 2013 film Rush. Throughout his career, Lauda was known for his relentless focus and determination.
He was a master tactician who used his skill and experience to push himself and his cars to the limit.
His success did not come without its share of dangers however, and in 1976 he was involved in a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring which resulted in severe burns to his face and hands. After retiring from racing in 1985, Lauda went on to become a successful aviation entrepreneur, founding several airlines.
He was also an active Formula One commentator and adviser and was named a non-executive chairman of the Mercedes Formula One team in 2012. Niki Lauda was an icon in the world of Formula One and his legacy will live on long after his death in 2019.
He was a driver who pushed the boundaries of what was possible and will continue to inspire future generations of racers.
2. Alexander Wurz
Alexander Georg Wurz is an accomplished Austrian racing driver and businessman. He began his career in Formula One in 1997 and competed until 2007.
During that time, he established himself as a talented driver with an impressive resume; he is a two-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. In addition to his past accomplishments in Formula One and Le Mans, Wurz is currently under contract to race for the Toyota factory racing team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
This is a testament to his skills as a driver, and his ability to stay competitive over the years.
He has also earned a reputation as a driver training expert and often gives lectures and seminars to aspiring racers. All in all, Alexander Georg Wurz is a remarkable driver and businessman who has achieved success both on and off the track.
He has shown his skill in a variety of different motorsport disciplines and continues to prove himself as a top competitor in the WEC. His dedication to the sport and his willingness to help others make him a role model for aspiring racers around the world.
3. Helmut Marko
Helmut Marko is a notable figure in the world of Formula One racing. He has had a long and successful career as a racing driver, and he now serves as an advisor to the Red Bull GmbH Formula One teams.
In this role, he oversees the teams’ operations, and he is also in charge of Red Bull’s driver development programme. Marko first began racing in the late 1950s, competing in various events such as the Hillclimb Championship and the European Touring Car Championship.
He began his Formula One career in 1971, driving for the March Engineering team.
He went on to achieve some impressive results in the sport, finishing in the top 10 in the championship standings five times. After retiring from racing in 1977, Marko turned his attention to management and began working with the Red Bull GmbH Formula One teams in 2005.
He was appointed to the role of advisor in 2009, and he has since helped the team to great success.
In particular, he has been responsible for the development of talented drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, who won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Marko’s influence in Formula One is undeniable, and he is highly respected within the sport.
His long and successful career as a driver, combined with his passion for helping young drivers reach their potential, has made him a vital part of the Red Bull GmbH Formula One teams.
4. Jochen Rindt
Karl Jochen Rindt was a German-born racing driver who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. He was born in Mainz, Germany, and competed in several racing series during his career, including Formula One and Formula Two.
Despite being born and raised in Germany, Rindt was eligible to race with an Austrian license due to his Austrian citizenship. Rindt was granted Austrian citizenship in 1961 due to his father’s ties to the country, which allowed him to compete with an Austrian license.
This was advantageous to Rindt as it allowed him to compete in a wider range of racing series and also opened up more opportunities to enter races.
Rindt was a highly successful racing driver and won several championships during his career, including the Formula One World Championship in 1970.
This made him the first and only driver to win the championship posthumously as he tragically passed away in 1970 during a race at the Monza circuit in Italy.
His legacy lives on in the sport of motor racing, and his name is still remembered by many racing fans around the world.
5. Gerhard Berger
Gerhard Berger is a highly successful former Formula One racing driver from Austria. Throughout his 14-year career in Formula One, he earned two third-place finishes in the overall championship, both times while driving for Ferrari.
In total, he won ten Grand Prix races, achieved 48 podiums, 12 pole positions and 21 fastest laps. Berger’s impressive list of accomplishments on the track secured his place in Formula One history as one of the most successful drivers of all time.
Berger had a natural affinity for the sport and was considered an extremely talented driver throughout his career. His success on the track was due to his aggressive driving style, combined with his technical knowledge of the circuits and cars.
He was a master of tire management, knowing exactly when to push hard and when to conserve for a better finish. His ability to read the track and adjust his driving style accordingly was one of the factors that contributed to his numerous successes.
Gerhard Berger’s legacy in Formula One is a testament to his talent and skill as a driver. He was able to achieve numerous accomplishments and milestones, such as ten Grand Prix wins, 48 podiums, 12 pole positions and 21 fastest laps.
His career was one of triumph and excellence, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of Formula One.
6. Hans Stuck
Hans Erich Karl Josef Stuck was a German motor racing driver who made a lasting impact on the sport. He not only competed himself but also inspired a new generation of racers. His son Hans-Joachim Stuck followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful race driver.
He went on to have two grandsons, Johannes and Ferdinand Stuck, who both also became race drivers. The Stuck family has become legendary in the world of motor racing, with three generations of drivers that have contributed to the sport.
From Hans Erich Karl Josef Stuck, the original pioneer, to his grandsons who are now continuing his legacy, the Stuck family have played a pivotal role in German motor racing.
7. Karl Wendlinger
Karl Wendlinger is an Austrian racing driver who has competed in a variety of motorsport disciplines throughout his career, including Formula One. He started his racing career in karting and progressed to Formula Ford, Formula Opel Lotus, Formula 3 and Formula 3000.
In 1992, he made his Formula One debut with March Engineering, competing for the team in the 1992 and 1993 seasons. He then moved to Sauber for the 1994 and 1995 seasons, before switching to Ferrari in 1996.
His best finish in Formula One was a third place at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix. Since his retirement from Formula One in 1997, Wendlinger has competed in the FIA GT Championship, Porsche Supercup, DTM, American Le Mans Series and FIA GT1 World Championship.
He has achieved success in these various categories, winning the FIA GT Championship in 2001 and taking the class victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.
Wendlinger also competed in the Race of Champions in 2008 and 2009 and is currently a racing instructor at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.
8. Patrick Friesacher
Patrick Friesacher is an Austrian racing driver who has a long-standing relationship with Red Bull. He was part of the Red Bull team for many years before he left to join the Minardi Formula One team during the first half of the 2005 season.
After his departure from Formula One, Patrick Friesacher became an exhibition driver for Red Bull Racing and an instructor at the Red Bull Ring.
This enabled him to keep his relationship with Red Bull, while also allowing him to apply the knowledge he gained during his time in Formula One.As an exhibition driver, Patrick Friesacher was involved in a number of promotional events for Red Bull.
He was able to showcase his skills and expertise in a controlled environment, while also demonstrating the capabilities of the Red Bull team.
As an instructor at the Red Bull Ring, Patrick Friesacher was in charge of teaching the other drivers how to get the most out of their racing cars.
He was able to use his knowledge and experience to help prepare the other drivers for their races. Patrick Friesacher’s long-standing relationship with Red Bull has allowed him to maintain a presence in the world of motor racing.
He has been able to use his expertise to help the team become more successful, while also providing valuable instruction to the other drivers. This has allowed Patrick Friesacher to remain part of the motor racing community, while also being able to pursue his own career.
9. Dieter Quester
Dieter Quester is a retired touring car racing driver from Austria. He is widely known for his successful racing career, which included participating in 53 24-Hour Races.
Dieter also competed in a single Formula One race, in which he finished in ninth place. Throughout his career, Dieter has been highly regarded as a skilled and talented driver.
He had a knack for endurance racing and was able to achieve great success in the 24-Hour Races he participated in.
His determination and commitment to the sport gained him the respect of his peers and fans alike. In addition to his impressive accomplishments in endurance racing, Dieter also had the opportunity to compete in a single Formula One race.
Although he did not win the race, he was able to finish in ninth place. This speaks to Dieter’s skill and determination, as Formula One races are some of the most competitive in the world. Dieter Quester’s career in racing has been nothing short of remarkable.
His hard work and dedication to the sport have earned him respect and admiration from his peers and fans. His impressive achievements in endurance racing, as well as his single Formula One race, prove that Dieter is a talented and capable driver.
10. Christian Klien
Christian Klien is a prominent figure in the world of motorsport. He is an Austrian former Formula One racing driver who has achieved a great deal in his career. Klien has competed in Formula One for a number of years, making a total of 14 points in the championship.
His success in Formula One has seen him become one of the most decorated drivers in the sport. Klien continues to compete in the world of motorsport, currently racing full-time in the GT World Challenge Europe for JP Motorsport.
This series is one of the most competitive in the world, and Klien has proven himself to be a competitive and successful driver.
He has achieved multiple podiums in this series and has consistently shown his skill and determination. Klien is a highly respected figure in the world of motorsport, and is a great example of someone who has taken their racing career to the highest level.
He is an inspiration to many and will continue to be a success in the world of motorsport for many years to come.
11. Hans Binder
Hans Binder is a retired Austrian Formula One driver who competed in the sport during the 1970s. He began his career by winning the European Formula Ford Championship in 1972, which was a significant achievement for an emerging driver.
After this, he moved into Formula 2 racing in 1976 and competed in two major Grand Prix events that year – his home Grand Prix, and the Japanese Grand Prix. This was an impressive feat, as it showed his skill and determination in becoming a successful driver.
Binder drove for four teams during his career – Ensign, Wolf, Surtees and ATS. His success and dedication to the sport earned him much respect in the motorsport community.
12. Harald Ertl
Harald Ertl was a remarkable individual in the racing world. He was born in Zell am See, Austria, and attended the same school as three well-known Grand Prix drivers: Jochen Rindt, Helmut Marko and Niki Lauda.
This is a testament to Ertl’s talent and ambition, as these three drivers had highly successful careers. Ertl was also known for his distinguished physical appearance. He had an iconic ‘Imperial ‘-style moustache and full beard which made him stand out from the crowd.
His look was so recognizable that it became a defining feature of his character. Ertl’s career was not only limited to racing. He was also a motorsport journalist, writing extensively about the racing world.
His knowledge and experience in the sport gave him valuable insight into the mechanics and strategies of racing, and he was able to share his expertise with others through his writing. Overall, Harald Ertl was an important figure in the racing world.
He was a talented driver, a journalist, and a distinguished figure with an iconic look. He helped to shape the racing world, and will always be remembered for his contributions.
13. Roland Ratzenberger
Roland Walter Ratzenberger was an Austrian racing driver, born in 1960. He competed in many racing categories during his career, including British Formula 3000, Japanese Formula 3000 and Formula One.
Ratzenberger was an experienced and respected driver, having competed in the Formula One world championship for the Simtek team in 1994. He was best known for his performance in British Formula 3000, where he competed between 1986 and 1988.
During this time, he gained several wins and podium finishes, and in 1987, he was crowned British Formula 3000 champion. In 1989, Ratzenberger moved on to compete in Japanese Formula 3000, where he continued to achieve success.
He won the season championship in 1989 and 1990, becoming the first non-Japanese driver to do so. He also recorded a number of wins and podium finishes in this series. Ratzenberger’s success in Japan led to him being offered a drive in the Formula One world championship in 1994.
He drove for the Simtek team, and although he failed to score any points, he demonstrated his skill and courage by qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix.
Sadly, he died during the race following a crash. Roland Walter Ratzenberger’s career was cut short, but his legacy continues to live on. He was a highly successful racing driver, competing in various categories of motorsport, and his achievements will never be forgotten.
14. Helmuth Koinigg
Helmuth Koinigg was an Austrian racing driver who unfortunately lost his life during the 1974 United States Grand Prix. He was participating in only his second Grand Prix race at the time. The crash happened on the 14th lap of the race while Koinigg was in the 11th position.
It is believed that a suspension failure caused the crash which eventually led to his death. He was only 24 years old at the time of his passing. The crash was particularly devastating because it was the first death in a Formula One race since 1968.
The Grand Prix racing community was in shock, and the tragedy of Koinigg’s death was felt worldwide. In the aftermath of the crash, safety regulations were improved and the Grand Prix circuit became safer for drivers, crew, and spectators alike.
Koinigg’s death was a tragedy that continues to be remembered in the Formula One racing community. His memory lives on in the improved safety regulations that now protect all those involved in the sport.
In addition, in his honor, the Austrian Grand Prix is now held annually at the A1-Ring track, located near the town of Spielberg, which was renamed the Helmuth Koinigg-Ring in his memory.
15. Jo Gartner
Josef Anton Gartner was an Austrian race car driver with an impressive career. He began his career in the lower formula, and was successful enough to win the Formula Two Pau Grand Prix. After this success, he moved up to Formula One racing in 1984 and drove for Osella.
During that season, he participated in eight Formula One Grands Prix but was unable to acquire any points.
Despite this, his experience in the lower formula showed that he had the talent to become a successful racer, and his career in Formula One serves as an example of the dedication and drive he had for racing.
16. Otto Stuppacher
Otto Stuppacher was an Austrian racing driver from Vienna. His career in motorsport began with hill-climbs and sports car racing before he entered the world of Formula One in 1976.
Stuppacher raced for the ÖASC Racing Team in three Formula One Grand Prix events that year, driving a Tyrrell 007. He was unable to secure a points finish during his brief foray into the highest level of international motorsport, but his performance was impressive nonetheless.
His career in motorsport was cut short shortly after the Formula One Grand Prix, but Stuppacher will be remembered as one of the few brave souls to reach the pinnacle of motorsport and compete at the highest level.
17. Karl Oppitzhauser
Karl Oppitzhauser is a former racing driver from Austria who is best known for his optimistic attempt to enter the 1976 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix.
Oppitzhauser had a successful career in the lower Formula racing series prior to his attempt to join the elite Formula One series. He began his career in 1965 in the Austrian Formula Vee.
He went on to race in the Austrian Formula Super Vee and the European Formula Super Vee series, where he was a consistent podium finisher.
His best result in the European series was a win at the Nurburgring in 1975. Oppitzhauser’s attempt to join the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix in 1976 was seen as a daring move.
He was entering a highly competitive series that had only three spots available for drivers from Austria. This was in addition to the fact that he was competing against some of the best drivers in the world. Despite the odds, Oppitzhauser was determined to make it into the race.
He managed to qualify for the race and become the first Austrian to enter a Formula One Grand Prix in the modern era.
Unfortunately, his attempt was unsuccessful as his car failed to finish the race. Despite the unsuccessful attempt, Oppitzhauser’s optimism is remembered by many in Austria. He was an inspiration to many aspiring racers and a reminder that anything is possible.
His legacy lives on today as a reminder of the importance of optimism and determination.
18. Walter Lechner
Walter Lechner was an Austrian racing driver and pilot who was known for his accomplishments in both fields. He began his racing career in the 1970s, competing in various events around Europe.
His most successful achievements included winning the European Hill Climb Championship in 1975 and the European Touring Car Championship in 1982.
Lechner’s piloting career was equally impressive, and he was an experienced aerobatic pilot, having completed the Austrian National Aerobatic Championship twice in the late 1980s.
He was also a member of the Flying Bulls, an aerobatic team that has performed numerous aerial displays around the world. In addition, Lechner was an avid skydiver and held several world records in the sport.
Walter Lechner was a highly accomplished racer and pilot who achieved much throughout his life. His incredible skill and dedication to both sports has left behind a lasting legacy that has been admired by many.
He will always be remembered as a passionate athlete who achieved great things in both the racing and piloting worlds.
19. Fritz Glatz
Friedrich “Fritz” Glatz was an Austrian racing driver from Vienna. He was a well-known figure in the racing world, having competed in numerous races across Europe.
Glatz was known for his skill behind the wheel and was a successful driver, earning several victories and podium finishes in his career. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his use of pseudonyms while racing.
Glatz used several different aliases, such as Pierre Chauvet and Frederico Careca, in order to conceal his identity from competitors. By doing so, Glatz was able to gain a competitive advantage over his opponents as they were unaware of his true identity.
Glatz’s use of pseudonyms was a testament to his dedication to the sport of racing and his willingness to go to any lengths to achieve success.
20. Alfred Neubauer
Alfred Neubauer was a legendary figure in the world of motorsport. He was the racing manager of the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix team from 1926 to 1955, a period spanning nearly three decades.
During that time, Neubauer was responsible for the success of the team, which won numerous championships and races. He played an integral role in the development of the team, from the selection of drivers to the construction of the cars.
Neubauer was known for his sharp eye for talent, as well as his meticulous attention to detail. He was also known for his risk-taking attitude and willingness to make bold decisions in order to gain success.
Neubauer’s legacy lives on in the racing world, and his name will forever be associated with the success of Mercedes-Benz.
21. Bernhard Auinger
Bernhard Auinger is an accomplished race car driver. He began his career in Italian Formula Three and German Formula Three, where he achieved success and won the 2000 German Formula König championship.
In 2003, he joined Red Bull to compete in two races of the Formula 3000 season. After that, he continued to race in Euroseries 3000 from 2003 to 2005 and won a race in 2004.
Throughout his career, Bernhard Auinger has proven himself to be a talented and competitive driver, earning himself numerous titles and victories.
22. Mathias Lauda
Mathias Lauda is an Austrian racing driver who currently competes for Aston Martin Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He is the son of the late three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, and Marlene, Niki’s first wife.
Mathias is also the brother of Lukas Lauda, who currently serves as his manager. Mathias Lauda has been a professional racing driver since 2014, when he made his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany.
Since then he has raced in various series, including the Formula 3 Euro Series, the ADAC GT Masters, and the International GT Open. In 2020, he joined Aston Martin Racing as a factory driver, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Mathias comes from a racing family.
His father, Niki Lauda, was a three-time Formula One world champion, winning championships in 1975, 1977, and 1984. His brother, Lukas, is also a professional racing driver, having competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup and the ADAC GT Masters.
In addition, his brother serves as his manager, taking care of his day-to-day activities. Mathias Lauda is a highly successful racing driver, and his career is being followed closely by fans and media around the world.
He is quickly becoming one of the top drivers in the world and is expected to have a long and successful career in the sport.
23. Markus Höttinger
Markus Höttinger was an Austrian racing driver who tragically lost his life in a tragic accident in 1980. He was 23 years old at the time.
The accident occurred at the Hockenheimring in Germany during the third lap of the second round of the 1980 European Formula Two Championship.
Höttinger was a promising driver who had been racing since the age of 18, and had earned a number of impressive results, including a podium finish at the 1979 Austrian Grand Prix. He was a highly-regarded driver with a bright future ahead of him.
Sadly, his life was cut short in a terrible accident on 13 April 1980. Höttinger was driving his March-BMW 808 when he lost control of the car on the third lap of the race. His car crashed into the barriers and Höttinger was declared dead at the scene.
The death of Markus Höttinger was deeply mourned by the international motorsport community. He was remembered as a talented driver who had the potential to achieve great things. Höttinger’s death was a devastating loss and a reminder of how dangerous motorsport can be.
24. Andreas Zuber
Andreas “Andi” Zuber is a motor racing driver from Austria. He currently resides in Dubai and competes under a licence issued by the United Arab Emirates.
Zuber began his professional career in motorsports in 2004 and has since earned a reputation as one of the top drivers in the world. Over the years, Zuber has competed in a variety of racing series, including the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, Formula 3, and the GP2 Series.
He has also won numerous races and championships, both in Europe and Asia. In addition to his racing career, Zuber is also involved in a number of charity organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Despite his successes, Zuber remains humble and dedicated to his craft.
He is a great example of a professional athlete that is both passionate and dedicated to his sport, and he continues to strive for excellence in all of his endeavors.
25. Hubert Stromberger
Hubert Stromberger is a renowned former Austrian racing driver from Weitensfeld im Gurktal. His career in racing began in 1995 when he entered the CART Championship Car race for Project Indy, which took place at Road America.
Despite starting in 27th position, Stromberger managed to finish the race in 16th place, demonstrating his impressive skill and talent in the field. Later that year, he attempted to qualify for the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course but unfortunately failed to make the race.
Despite not being able to compete in the race, Stromberger’s impressive performance at Road America certainly proved that he was a formidable and talented driver.
26. Philipp Peter
Philipp Peter is an Austrian race car driver who has achieved considerable success throughout his career. He began his racing career in junior formula cars, winning the Austria Formula 3 Cup in 1992.
This was a significant achievement for him, and it helped to launch his career into higher level competitions. In 1990, Philipp Peter represented his country of Austria in the EFDA Nations Cup.
This was a great honor for him, and it showed that he had the skill and talent to compete on an international stage. In 1999, Philipp Peter raced in Indy Lights, finishing third in the Championship.
This was an impressive accomplishment which demonstrated his skill and determination to succeed. Overall, Philipp Peter has had a successful career as a race car driver, and he has achieved a great deal of recognition and success.
He has shown that he has the skill and ambition to succeed in the competitive world of racing.
27. Toto Wolff
Torger Christian “Toto” Wolff is a highly accomplished motorsport executive, investor, and former racing driver. He is an Austrian billionaire and is most well-known for his involvement in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 (F1) team.
He currently holds a 33% stake in the team and is also its Team Principal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Throughout his career, Wolff has been heavily involved in motorsport, both on and off the track.
As a driver, he participated in several racing series, including the German Formula 3 and the German Touring Car Championship.
After retiring from driving, he began his career as a motorsport executive, working with several teams and drivers. Wolff is an enthusiastic investor and has invested in several companies in the motorsport industry.
His investments have included shares in the Williams F1 team and a minority stake in the HWA AG racing team.
He also holds a significant stake in the Mercedes F1 team.Wolff is an influential figure in the motorsport world and his involvement in the Mercedes F1 team has been highly successful.
His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the team’s success in recent years, as they have won both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships for the past six consecutive years. In addition to his involvement in the Mercedes F1 team, Wolff is also a regular attendee at motorsport events and is often seen in the pit lane cheering on the team.
He is a highly respected figure in the industry and his success has earned him a place as one of the leading motorsport executives in the world.
28. Ferdinand Habsburg
Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen is an Austrian motor racing driver and the heir to the headship of the House of Habsburg.
He is currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Team WRT and the European Le Mans Series with Prema. The House of Habsburg is a noble family that ruled over many countries in Europe for centuries, and Ferdinand is the current heir to its legacy.
His full name reflects the various branches of the family and his commitment to his heritage. Ferdinand’s love for motor racing has led him to compete in some of the most prestigious championships in the world.
His involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series has seen him compete against some of the best drivers in the world. He has been driving with Team WRT since 2018, and with Prema since 2019.
His time in the series has been filled with accomplishments, and he has earned several podium finishes. At the same time, Ferdinand has been working to ensure that the legacy of the House of Habsburg continues.
He has worked to bring the family’s history to the forefront and to encourage the public to remember the legacy of the Habsburgs. Ferdinand Zvonimir Maria Balthus Keith Michael Otto Antal Bahnam Leonhard von Habsburg-Lothringen is a unique and remarkable individual.
His love for motor racing and his commitment to preserving his family’s legacy make him a role model for many..
29. Mercedes Stermitz
Mercedes Otto-Stermitz is a remarkable woman who has achieved much in her life. She is a former Austrian racing driver and 1983 Miss Austria, a remarkable feat for a woman in the 1980s.
As a racing driver, she competed in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) and the German Super Touring Championship (STW). She also competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Her greatest success came when she won the ETCC championship in 1989. Otto-Stermitz was also crowned Miss Austria in 1983, which is another impressive accomplishment. She has since used her platform to advocate for female empowerment in the motorsports industry.
She has also been an ambassador for various motorsports events and organizations. Otto-Stermitz is an inspiration to many young women who aspire to make their mark in the motorsports industry.
She has shown that it is possible to achieve success in a male-dominated sport, and she is a testament to the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality.
Her success in the sport has shown that women can compete at the highest level just like their male counterparts.
30. Christopher Höher
Christopher Höher is a professional racing driver from Austria. He has been involved in the sport since the early 2000s and has been competing in many different racing series ever since.
He has competed in both regional and international competitions, achieving success in all of them. Christopher Höher is a two-time Austrian Karting Champion and has also competed in Formula 3, Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula 4 championships.
He has also had success in international events, such as the FIA European Formula 3 Championship and the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup.
In addition, he has also competed in the World Karting Championship in 2008 and 2009. Höher is currently competing in the ADAC GT Masters series and is a member of the MS Racing Team, which is part of the Austrian-based MS Motorsport.
He has had some success in the championship, achieving numerous podium finishes, as well as taking the win in the Red Bull Ring in 2018. Christopher Höher is an experienced and successful racing driver from Austria, who has competed at both regional and international levels.
His experience and skill have helped him earn numerous successes throughout his career, making him one of the most successful drivers from Austria.
31. Richard Lietz
Richard Lietz is an Austrian professional racing driver who has been driving for Porsche Factory since 2006. He has competed in different motorsport series, such as the American Le Mans Series, Formula 3 Euro Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series.
His racing career is full of accolades, as he has won multiple races in the Porsche Supercup series. In 2006, Lietz made his motorsport debut in the Formula 3 Euro Series, where he achieved a seventh-place finish. He then moved to the American Le Mans Series in 2007.
He was part of the Porsche factory team and drove the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. He competed in the GT2 category and finished fourth in the championship. In 2009, Lietz moved to the Rolex Sports Car Series and won his first race in that series.
He also competed in the Porsche Supercup, where he achieved two overall race wins. He was the first driver to win a race in both the Porsche Supercup and the Rolex Sports Car Series. Since then, Lietz has gone on to become one of the most successful drivers in Porsche’s history.
He has won multiple races in the Porsche Supercup and the American Le Mans Series. He has also won several prestigious trophies, including the Porsche Supercup Champion in 2011 and the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race in 2013.
Richard Lietz is an incredibly talented and successful racing driver. He has achieved incredible success in his career and has established himself as one of the top drivers in the world.
He is a multiple race-winner in Porsche Supercup and has achieved great success in the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series.
32. Andy Soucek
Andy Christian Soucek is a unique driver in the world of motorsports due to his dual nationality of Spanish and Austrian.
He is a professional racing driver, having competed in multiple series across the globe including the Formula Palmer Audi Championship, Formula Renault 3.5 Series and the GP2 Series.
He has also competed in the World Series by Renault, Formula 3 Euro Series and the Formula 3 Masters. Growing up in Madrid, Spain, Soucek developed a passion for racing from a young age and began his career in karting before moving up to the Spanish Formula Three Championship in 2001.
In 2006, he was crowned the champion of the Formula Palmer Audi Championship, helping to propel his career into the world of professional racing. Since then, Soucek has gone on to achieve great success in the world of motorsports.
In 2008, he finished fifth in the GP2 Series standings, and in 2009 he finished second in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
He has also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Macau Grand Prix, as well as in the Superleague Formula series. In 2010, Soucek was signed by the Virgin Racing Formula One team as a test driver, making him the first Spanish driver to work with a Formula One team.
He continues to compete in various motorsport series and is a respected driver amongst his peers.
33. Manfred Stohl
Manfred Stohl is an Austrian rally driver who began his career in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1991.
As a rally driver, Manfred Stohl has competed in many different rally events, including the European Rally Championship, the FIA World Rallycross Championship, and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Stohl has also competed in the WRC with various teams, including the official Volkswagen and Peugeot teams. Stohl’s co-driver is Ilka Minor, a fellow Austrian who has been part of Stohl’s team since 2000.
Minor has extensive experience in the sport, having competed in both the European Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. She is also a skilled navigator, helping Stohl to stay on course during difficult stages.
Minor is also a capable mechanic, helping to ensure that Stohl’s car remains in optimal condition throughout the race. With Minor’s help, Stohl has achieved many successes in the sport, including several podium finishes in the WRC.
34. Franz Wittmann Sr.
Franz Wittmann is a well-known Austrian rally driver who achieved success in the World Rally Championship, most notably in 1987 when he won the Rally New Zealand.
Wittmann’s victory was a monumental one, as it was his first major win at a round of the World Rally Championship, and it cemented him as a top driver in the sport.
His success in the Rally New Zealand was the result of his hard work and dedication; he had been competing in rally events since 1985, and his victory in 1987 was the culmination of his efforts. Wittmann’s career since then has seen him become one of the top drivers in rally racing.
He has won the Rally North of Italy multiple times, and he has also come in second in the Rally Australia. He continues to compete in rally events to this day, and his success in 1987 remains a major highlight of his career.
Franz Wittmann is an Austrian rally driver who has achieved success in the World Rally Championship, and his win in 1987 at the Rally New Zealand is a testament to his skill and determination.
35. Sepp Haider
Josef “Sepp” Haider is a former Austrian rally driver who achieved his greatest success in 1988 when he won Rally New Zealand, a round of the World Rally Championship.
Rally New Zealand is considered one of the most challenging events in the championship, and its demanding terrain has been a proving ground for some of the world’s best drivers.
Haider’s win marked a significant breakthrough for Austrian motorsport, and it remains one of the country’s most celebrated sporting achievements. Haider began his rallying career in the early 1980s, competing in events across Europe and Australia.
His skill behind the wheel quickly earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor, and in 1988 he was signed up to drive for the Rothmans Rally Team.
Haider was determined to prove himself at Rally New Zealand, and his success on the event’s tough stages put him firmly on the map as one of the world’s top rally drivers. Haider competed in the World Rally Championship until 1994, earning numerous podium finishes along the way.
He eventually retired from rally driving in 2004, but his legacy as an Austrian motorsport legend remains strong.
Haider’s 1988 victory at Rally New Zealand is still celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in Austrian motorsport history, and his name continues to be associated with excellence in the sport.
Conclusion
Austria has some of the best auto racing players in the world. From the legendary Niki Lauda to the current stars like Max Verstappen, Austria has produced some of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport.
With a strong tradition of excellence, Austria is sure to continue to produce some of the best auto racing drivers in the world.
