Lauda reveals how his wife saved his life

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Niki Lauda says he would no longer be with us today without his wife Brigit and the personal sacrifice she made to prolong the life of the man she loved.

In 2005, after a previous kidney transplant had failed, 26-year-old Birgit Wetzinger successfully donated one of her organs to the F1 legend.

"We had been dating for eight months when I had a kidney problem," Lauda said in an interview with sports reporter Graham Bensinger.

"I asked my son Lucas if he test to donate a kidney, but it did not fit. Birgit then said she would do the test, but I asked 'Why would you do the test'? Because I want to, she said. I said you will never ever donate your kidney, because I'm ill and I've known you for eights. So I would never do that'."

"She did the test, and she did fit. For about three months she gave me always the same impression, 'I do it for you because I love you'. She was never frightened or asked any questions, it was just a pure approach 'I will do it'.

Lauda walks out of the Prancing Horse's stable

"After a long time thinking about it, we went and when they pushed her away in the hospital I was praying that nothing would happen to her.

"I got the kidney and it works 100 percent right, it's fantastic!"

The couple were not married at the time of the operation but Lauda, who vowed never to marry again in his life, finally accepted to settle down with the former stewardess in 2008, and even extend his family.

"I married her, not because of the kidney donation, but because she was the right woman to marry. And then we got twins, Max and Mia. I was really lucky to have all these things happen."

The three-time world champion admits that he missed out on most of the pleasures of fatherhood when he first two sons, Lucas and Mathias, were born as he was completely focused on his racing life.

But he's had the opportunity to catch up since.

"Now, I have more time, and no risk at all. Now I enjoy my two little kids, they keep me young I have to say and it's fantastic what my life is today.

"But I don't regret the past, because I had no choice. It was different times. Today I have a fantastic relationship with Lucas and Mathias, so everything in the end worked out very well."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.