Lauda Says Race on Sunday in Australia Will Be His Last Formula One Grand Prix

Three-time world champion Niki Lauda of Austria confirmed Wednesday that he will be driving his final Formula One Grand Prix auto race here Sunday.

Lauda, 36, had been rumored to be considering a $10 million offer to race again next year.

“I decided in August that I was not going to race next year and this would be my last race,” the Marlboro McLaren team driver said.

Lauda said he told the rival Brabham team last week that he would not be accepting its offer.

When asked if his decision was definite, Lauda, who retired in 1979 and returned to the track in 1982, said, “As much as I can say for now, yes.”

Lauda has won a total of 25 Grand Prix races and was world champion in 1975, 1977 and 1984. He was almost killed in accident in 1976, but returned to racing the next year.