German · Nürburg, Germany · Born 13 May 1969German racing driver and television presenter known as 'Queen of the Nürburgring', first woman to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in 1996.
Sabine Schmitz became the first and remains the only woman to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours outright, achieving the feat in both 1996 and 1997 on the demanding Nordschleife circuit she knew better than almost any driver alive. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Nürburgring," she later became a beloved presenter on Top Gear, bringing her technical expertise and infectious enthusiasm for the track to a global television audience before her death in 2021.
Nürburgring 24 Hours victories and Top Gear presenting
How They Played
Aggressive endurance racing specialist with exceptional Nordschleife knowledge
Lasting Impact
First and only woman to win Nürburgring 24 Hours, beloved motorsport personality
Career Honours
- Nürburgring 24 Hours winner 1996, 1997 (only woman ever)
- Top Gear presenter
- Nürburgring instructor and ambassador
German Athletes