Niki Lauda (1949 - 2019)...Driving Instruction from the Man

Much has been reported regards the mourning of Niki Lauda; and what was simultaneously a private, public and international affair, and it was gracious of his wife and son to allow the public entry to the Viennese Church Service so that many others could show their respect and admiration.

The demonstration of respect shown by F1 teams at Monaco conveyed their reverance, and of course his reputation and legendary status will live on in motor racing and elsewhere.

But it was his willingness to speak 'no bullshit' and demonstrably reject 'bullshit' (from lies to unfairness) that should be regarded as his instructive lesson for those still here.

There are various but relatively few interviews with him, but there is one in which he retells his calm yet firm reaction to another's effort of trying to take advantage of him in his own business.

To help run his aviation enterprise required a capable business manager. And for a time had one where things appeared to run successfully. The man was adept at his role for which he was well paid. Yet he turned his supposed business acumen against his own side and the wrong man.

During a long car-journey, in what was effectively and knowingly a trapped environment - during which the driver (Lauda) is focused on the road, distracted and yet subliminally relaxed - his business manager pressed again and again to be given a share-hold stake in the business.

Threatening to quit if he did not get what he wanted.

Lauda knew the man was an effective component of the firm, yet would not be put under such pressure in what was obviously a contrived manner - waiting for that car journey to make that demand.

It was illustrated that he was well paid for his role and that the terms of the initial agreement was that he was a paid employee of the business, not part-owner. The man persisted, feeling he could utilise the circumstances to his advantage.

Lauda simply slowed the car, pulled to the side of the road and halted. He instructed the man to go, since he was no longer employed by the company.

His decisive action cut out what thereafter would have been nothing other but continued 'bullshit' of continued demands and never-ending self-service.

The fable is that subtle yet powerful actions have far greater effect than any barrage of angry words.

To echo the script upon the Monaco GP's helmets...."Danke Niki"....for illustrating how life and business should be conducted.