#marlene lauda

Marlene celebrates the first day of Niki's retirement from F1 while Niki tries to take a call

At Circuit Paul Ricard, James Hunt claimed pole position with Niki Lauda right next to him on the grid and Patrick Depailler third, continuing Tyrell's excellent form. Off the line, Lauda sped past Hunt and held a comfortable lead until his Ferrari retired with engine failure. Clay Regazzoni, now second, was close behind Hunt; however, his engine failed, causing him to retire. After this, any challenge to Hunt's lead evaporated, and he went on to win twelve seconds in front of Depailler, who was also now second in the Drivers' Championship standings. Jody Scheckter, in the other Tyrell, was in contention for third until his engine started to fade away, giving John Watson in a Penske third place. It was the first podium finish for both Watson and Penske.

Marlene Knaus/Lauda in chibi style.... (Chibi-Niki, obviously, aproves)

don't mind me, I'm just melting like ice in the sun

Proof that Niki Lauda had a type, and it was "impeccable floofy brown hair + this exact defiant chin gesture, wearing nicely tailored blue shirt."

Niki and Marlene, early 1970s