Alfred Neubauer Biography
He was born on 29 March 1891 in Novy Jicin, near Ostrava, in what is now the Czech Republic. His father was a carpenter and cabinetmaker.Neubauer fell in love with automobiles when at the age of seven he saw his first car, a Benz drive through his village, in North Moravia. Even as a small boy he would claim that “petrol already ran in his blood.” After a stint as a motor pool officer during the First World War he joined Austro-Daimler as a race car driver. When Ferdinand Porsche left Austro-Daimler in a fit of pique he brought Neubauer with him to Mercedes. At Mercedes he found his home and would work there for the rest of his life. He was a company man who would stay loyal through thick and thin. It soon became apparent to Neubauer as it had been to his wife earlier that he was not destined to become a great race car driver. In fact his wife remarked that he drove like a night watchman! While working for Mercedes he heard of Rudolf Caracciola’s exploits at the first Grand Prix of Germany at Avus in 1926. Caracciola driving under the most appalling conditions was not aware that he had actually won the race. Neubauer believed that a driver on the racetrack was the “world’s loneliest human being.” He thought that if a driver could be informed, during the race, of his position, speed, race distance and other particulars he would have a better chance of achieving his ultimate potential.
At one dinner he gave a rendition and all present were thankful he became a racing team manager.” – Erik Johnson, Mercedes PR, recalls Neubauer singing opera at a team function.
