Lukas Lauda makes Dakar debut with father’s F1 colors

Lukas Lauda, the son of the F1 legend Niki Lauda, is making his debut in the Dakar Rally carrying the iconic red and white McLaren livery that adorned his father's car when he clinched his final F1 championship in 1984.

Lukas, the eldest of Lauda’s four children, is competing in the T3 category for lightweight vehicles, driving a Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo fielded by the South Racing Team.

And his #347 Can-Maverick has been meticulously painted to mirror the color scheme of Lauda's McLaren MP4/2, serving as a poignant homage to his father, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 70.

The tribute extends beyond the car, as Lukas Lauda has also designed a custom helmet that bears the same red and white colors, reminiscent of the Marlboro livery that adorned Niki Lauda's McLaren from 1982 to 1985.

"Honouring a legend. Lukas Lauda, son of Niki Lauda, will race in a tribute to his legendary father, a unique livery, reminiscent of the iconic McLaren colour scheme of Niki's 1984 Formula 1 championship-winning car," read a statement from his South Racing Team.

The Dakar Rally appearance marks a new chapter in Lukas Lauda's racing career, which has previously included stints in rallies and off-road racing competitions.

Lukas finished a promising 13th in last year’s Rallye du Maroc which served as a solid dress rehearsal for his Dakar endeavor.

"The Dakar has always been for me the most important race and adventure, I've been watching it since I was a child and it fascinates me, my goal is to learn a lot and try to be the best rookie,” Lukas said.