Sabine Schmitz, the legendary German racing driver and “Queen of the Nürburgring,” died on March 16, 2021, at the age of 51 following a private four-year battle with cancer. Her death occurred at a hospital in Trier, Germany, surrounded by her close family and her husband, Klaus Abbelen. Schmitz had first revealed her diagnosis to the public in July 2020, explaining that she had been fighting an “extremely stubborn cancer” since late 2017. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy, the disease returned with “full force” in early 2021. As the first and only woman to win the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and a beloved host of the BBC’s Top Gear, her passing sparked a global outpouring of grief from the automotive community. This article explores the timeline of her illness, her historic achievements on the “Green Hell,” and the permanent honors bestowed upon her, including the official naming of the Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve at her home track.
The Battle with Cancer
Sabine Schmitz’s final years were defined by a courageous and largely private fight against a persistent form of cancer. She initially kept her health struggles out of the spotlight to focus on her recovery and her passion for racing.
Initial Diagnosis: Sabine was diagnosed with cancer in late 2017, which led to her sudden withdrawal from several scheduled races.
Public Revelation: In July 2020, she posted on social media to explain her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series (LSN), stating the cancer had returned after a period of improvement.
Final Months: Throughout late 2020 and early 2021, her health declined despite intensive medical intervention in Trier.
Date of Passing: She passed away on March 16, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that transcended professional motorsports.
The nature of her illness was described as exceptionally aggressive. Even during her treatment, she remained a frequent visitor to the Nürburgring paddock, maintaining the cheerful and “unstoppable” spirit that had made her an international star. Her husband, Klaus Abbelen, and their Frikadelli Racing team were her primary support system during this difficult period.
Queen of the Nürburgring
Sabine Schmitz was more than a driver; she was the human face of the world’s most challenging race track. Growing up in a hotel within the circuit’s boundaries, she claimed to have driven over 30,000 laps of the Nordschleife.
Historic Racing Achievements
In 1996, Sabine made history by becoming the first woman to win the grueling 24 Hours of Nürburgring overall, driving a BMW M3. She proved it was no fluke by winning the event again in 1997. In 1998, she became the first woman to win the VLN Endurance Championship title. Her intimate knowledge of the “Green Hell” was so profound that she once famously remarked she didn’t need to learn the track because it was “in her blood.”
The Ring Taxi Legend
For many years, Sabine was the primary pilot for the BMW Ring Taxi. She famously terrified thousands of passengers, including experienced racing enthusiasts, by drifting a high-performance BMW M5 around the track’s 73 corners at breakneck speeds. Her ability to talk calmly to a camera while driving on the limit of adhesion became her trademark, leading to her eventual discovery by international television producers.
Top Gear and Global Fame
While already a hero in Germany, Sabine Schmitz became a global household name through her appearances on the BBC’s Top Gear. She was one of the few guests who could consistently outperform the show’s main presenters.
The 2004 Debut: Her first appearance involved coaching Jeremy Clarkson to lap the Nürburgring in under 10 minutes in a diesel Jaguar.
The Van Challenge: Her most iconic moment came when she attempted to beat Clarkson’s Jaguar time using a Ford Transit van, famously coming within 9 seconds of the mark.
Official Host: Following the departure of the original trio, Sabine was named an official presenter of Top Gear in 2016, appearing alongside Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, and Chris Harris.
Cultural Impact: She was widely praised for her wit and for breaking gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry without ever making it a point of contention.
Her chemistry with the Top Gear team was rooted in mutual respect for her superior driving ability. She brought a unique “brilliantly bonkers” energy to the show, often hunting down her co-hosts in banger races or high-speed challenges across Europe.
The Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve Honor
In recognition of her unparalleled contribution to the track’s history, the Nürburgring took the rare step of naming a corner after her shortly after her death.
Following a public petition that garnered over 50,000 signatures, the first corner of the Nordschleife was officially renamed the Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve on September 11, 2021. This left-hand turn, located on the outskirts of the village of Nürburg where she grew up, is the first corner drivers encounter after leaving the Grand Prix circuit to enter the North Loop. This honor ensures that every driver who attempts the “Green Hell” begins their journey by passing through a tribute to its greatest ambassador.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to pay their respects or visit the landmarks associated with Sabine Schmitz in 2026, the following practical details are useful.
Location: The Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve is located at the start of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Nürburg, Germany.
Track Access: The track is open for “Touristenfahrten” (public driving) on most evenings and weekends. A single lap in 2026 costs approximately €30 to €35.
Visiting the Corner: While you cannot stop on the track, the corner is visible from public footpaths near the T13 grandstand area.
Memorials: Fans often leave tributes at the “Pistenklause” restaurant in Nürburg, which was owned by her family and served as her unofficial headquarters.
Tips: If visiting during a race weekend, expect large crowds, as Sabine remains the most celebrated figure in the region’s history.
FAQs
What was the cause of Sabine Schmitz’s death?
Sabine Schmitz died from cancer, a condition she had been fighting privately since late 2017.
When did Sabine Schmitz pass away?
She passed away on March 16, 2021, at the age of 51.
Why was she called the “Queen of the Nürburgring”?
She earned the title because she was the first woman to win the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and had completed an estimated 33,000 laps of the track.
Is there a corner named after Sabine Schmitz?
Yes, the first corner of the Nordschleife (after the GP track turn-off) was renamed the Sabine-Schmitz-Kurve in September 2021.
Who was Sabine Schmitz’s husband?
She was married to Klaus Abbelen, a fellow racing driver and the founder of the Frikadelli Racing Team.
What happened to the Ring Taxi after her death?
The BMW Ring Taxi service continues to operate at the Nürburgring, though it is now staffed by a new generation of professional drivers inspired by her legacy.
Where is Sabine Schmitz buried?
Sabine was laid to rest in a private ceremony in her hometown near the Nürburgring, reflecting her deep roots in the Eifel region.
Did Sabine Schmitz win the 24 Hours of Nürburgring more than once?
Yes, she won the overall race twice, in 1996 and 1997, both times driving for BMW.
What was Sabine’s most famous Top Gear moment?
Her most famous moment was attempting to lap the Nürburgring in under 10 minutes using a Ford Transit van.
How many laps of the Nürburgring did she do?
Sabine estimated she had completed over 30,000 laps, often stating that she had driven the track in everything from a supercar to her grandmother’s car.
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