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      Sabine Schmitz dead – Top Gear star and racing legend dubbed the ‘Queen of Nürburgring’ dies aged 51 after cancer battle

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      RACING driver and Top Gear favourite Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51.The Nürburgring’s most famous female driver – widely known as Queen of the Ring – lost her battle with cancer after more than three years with the disease.
      Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51
      Sabine was a favourite on Top Gear over the years
      Paying tribute, a statement from the legendary German race track said: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

      The driver was a favourite for fans of Top Gear, clocking up numerous appearances on the show
      She became an inspiration for many and was the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
      Sabine, the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, became known to the general public after appearing on Top Gear from 2004 before joining the presenting team when Chris Evans took over the show in 2016.
      Current host Paddy McGuinness paid tribute to the driver, describing her as “an amazing human being”.
      He tweeted: “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine, who became a professional driver in 1993, was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the Nürburgring.
      He tweeted today: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Clarkson’s former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Sabine Schmitz, a proper driving legend who’ll be sadly missed by many. The Ring has lost its Queen. RIP.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      Meanwhile, Chris Evans also expressed his “shock” at her death on his Virgin radio show, recalling how she made him “throw up” during a speedy drive.
      “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!” he told listeners.
      “On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona. But very very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      Formula One paid tribute tweeting: “We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away. An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
      Sabine had co-presented German motoring show D Motor from 2006, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled Nurburgring’s 20.8km track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other driving shows such as Fifth Gear.
      Sabine was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine revealed her battle with an ‘extremely persistent’ cancer last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She shared her three-year cancer battle with fansCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.

      “In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing!
      “So sweethearts, now you have an update. Please stay healthy and cheerful, see you at the ‘Ring’.”
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      Lewis Hamilton fears ‘different animal’ Red Bull this year with rival F1 team looking to break Mercedes dominance

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      LEWIS HAMILTON believes Red Bull are a “different animal” this year as they look to break Mercedes’ seven-year domination of F1. World champion Hamilton endured a miserable pre-season test as his team suffered reliability issues while he spun twice as he made uncharacteristic errors.
      Lewis Hamilton expects a strong challenge from Red BullCredit: Splash
      Red Bull are likely to be a bigger threat this seasonCredit: Rex
      And the Brit admits their rivals from Milton Keynes could be installed as the bookies’ favourites to win the season opener in Bahrain on March 28th.
      He said: “They can be favourites if they want. I mean, they’re looking strong. I don’t really focus on that kind of stuff and they’ve had some really good running.
      “Both the drivers have been looking quite strong.
      “They’re going to be a different machine or animal this year with a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car.”
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko also was delighted with the team’s trouble-free three-day test as Max Verstappen set the quickest overall time.
      But he is also curious that Mercedes could still turn up with a race-winning car at the opening race of 2021.
      He added: “That was certainly the best test since Red Bull Racing came into existence.
      “Everything worked right from the start but we know that Mercedes is the favourite, and I assume that they drove with much more fuel than we did.

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      “The fact that they didn’t really align with others in terms of fuel load, that already shows that they must have a lot of confidence. So we assume they still have a lot up their sleeves.
      “Mercedes is the favourite and we are the first challenger. That’s how I see the situation.
      “Behind them, it’s going to be a battle. I think McLaren will stand out a bit, but not at the level of Mercedes and us. The midfield is certainly closer together.”
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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick reveals he was ‘really scared’ after leaving F1 pitlane with tyre jack still attached

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      HAAS driver Mick Schumacher was ‘really scared’ during a frightening incident in pre-season testing in Bahrain.The son of seven-time world champion Michael, Mick is preparing for his first season in Formula One after winning the 2020 F2 title with Prema Racing.
      Mick Schumacher has spoken of his scary situation during pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
      Haas driver Schumacher left the pitlane with the jack still attacked to the carCredit: Sky Sports
      The 21-year-old drove 181 laps during his first pre-season testing, but he was involved in a worrying situation towards the end of Saturday’s session.
      Schumacher pitted for a tyre change and after receiving the signal to leave, the youngster then took the jack with him down the pitlane, where thankfully no-one was hurt.
      Quoted by Motorsport-Total, Schumacher said of the incident: “I was really scared because suddenly I didn’t know what was going on, whether I did something wrong or not.
      “In the end, it was a misunderstanding.”
      Haas team principal Guenther Steiner refused to put the blame on the German, as he instead praised him for his strong presence of mind.
      He remarked: “Mick reacted very well. When the radio message came that he should stop, he stopped immediately.
      “This did not cause any damage. I could say now it was part of his training because we have already hit so many pit stops! But it wasn’t like that.”
      Attention has now turned to the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the season’s opening race taking place on March 28.
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      Commenting after testing, Schumacher stated: “A bit sad that it was the last day and the last time driving before the Grand Prix.
      “But nevertheless we have 23 races coming up which is obviously great.
      “We managed to get a lot of laps in, which was good. We had no more issues, which is a bonus, and we’ve managed to catch up for the losses on day one.
      “I’m very impatient and very much looking forward to the season. It can’t come soon enough.
      “I feel very prepared, very ready. Hopefully we can understand every test we’ve done and be able to convert that into performance.”

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      Lewis Hamilton warns Mercedes have ‘lots of work to do’ after spinning out of control in F1 pre-season testing

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has warned Mercedes that they have ‘lots of work to do’ after their dreadful start to the season.The world champion cut a dejected figure this weekend after he spun off in Bahrain and was left stuck in the gravel.
      Lewis Hamilton is gearing up to make his title defence at Bahrain later this monthCredit: Getty
      The world champion spun off and was left stuck in the gravel during testing
      That followed on from Friday’s session where he finished 10th on the timesheets, while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas suffered a gearbox problem.
      It resulted in Mercedes completing fewer miles than any other team when usually they display bullet-proof reliability during testing.
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      Speaking to F1 after the final day, Hamilton said: “I’ve never been a massive fan of testing, I just love racing.
      “On the other end, it might have been good to have had more days.
      “It’s probably the only time I’d have ever asked for more days.”
      Mercedes were the only team who didn’t use their allocated 100km filming day to test their new car.
      And Hamilton, who had two surprising spins over the weekend, admitted the W12 was not yet performing to expectations.
      He added: “We’ve got lots of work to do, it’s going to be tough.”
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      Speaking in a team social media video, Hamilton said: “It does appear we are perhaps not quick enough at the moment, but I have every faith in the team.
      “We love challenges and this definitely is a challenge for us with the [rule] changes.
      “A couple of spins which are rare for me, but generally have been unhappy with the balance of the car and struggled with it. But nonetheless the car is still in one piece and we still got through the programme.”
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      Lewis Hamilton drops hint he will return to live in £18million west London mansion he’s been renovating since 2017

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has dropped a big hint that he could return to the UK to live in London.
      The F1 world champion is renovating an £18million home in west London that he purchased in 2017 but has never moved in.

      Lewis Hamilton could be set to return to his £18million west London mansion

      The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has been renovating the London home since buying it in 2017

      Scaffolding can be seen covering much of the house at the moment

      The Mercedes ace says he still intends to live in Monaco for the time being, insisting his London mansion is all part of his plans for the future.
      He said: “Currently, I have no plans on changing where I live. I live in a dream place that all the other drivers live in too, in Monaco.
      “I do have a home in England, which I am really excited to be finished, so when I do come to England I finally have an anchor.
      “A place to call my own, rather than staying in hotels, which is never particularly enjoyable considering I do that a lot throughout the year.

      “I think it is the start of something great and a place I will naturally have my family come to and maybe, in the future, have a family.”
      Hamilton has been in Bahrain where he has been taking part in preseason testing ahead of the new F1 season, which also kicks off in the Gulf Kingdom on March 28th.
      But it has been far from ideal practice as his Mercedes team have been plagued by reliability and handling issues, while rivals Red Bull look quick.
      Hamilton, who was only fifth quickest yesterday (SUN) on the final day of the three-day test, added: “I think it is better when it doesn’t go smoothly.

      “It’s better that it doesn’t go smooth now and go smooth once we get into the racing season.
      “This is the perfect time for us to find the issues and have the problems. I welcome that.
      “We’re a multi championship-winning team and we know how to pull together and keep our head down and focus on the job but, without doubt, it’s quite impressive to see the speed of some of the other teams.
      “Red Bull are looking particularly strong. And it’s great to see McLaren, also looking strong and also Alpine, so I’m excited. That means more fun.
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      Hamilton struggled during the F1 testing weekend as he looks to clinch an eighth world titleCredit: AFP or Licensors
      “[Red Bull] are going to be a different machine or animal this year, with I think, a real good, strong lineup of the two drivers and, I think, a really good car.
      “You can only assume they’re going to be right there at the front at the first race and it’s going to be a great long battle with them throughout the year.”
      Hamilton is coming into this new season in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the joint-record he holds with Michael Schumacher.
      But he will do it without the help of his right-hand man, former racer and advisor, Marc Hynes while he searches for a replacement.
      Speaking of their amicable split, Hamilton said: “Marc is one of my best friends and he is moving on to do some other great things.
      “We had an amazing partnership together and I am really proud of the work we achieved.
      “I am going through some restructuring now moving forwards and have some plans I am working on in the future.
      “There will be someone potentially for the short term and I will figure it out as I go along.”

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals impact Murray Walker had on him as kid and hopes to live as long as commentator after death at 97

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says Murray Walker was TV’s best ever commentator.
      The F1 legend passed away on Saturday, aged 97, after spending over half a century commentating on the sport.

      Lewis Hamilton pictured with Murray Walker as a child

      Walker was known across the world for his enthusiasm behind the mic as he brought motoracing to life in his own unique way.
      Hamilton said: “I remember hearing his iconic voice. Growing up watching all the grand prix, he really made the sport exciting.
      “There has been no one like him on TV. Even without watching the TV if you are out of the room, you hear him excited and it makes you want to run back in and see what’s happening.
      “He was very much loved around the world I think, obviously in the UK. I think his contribution to the sport is huge and with me growing up watching him through the early days of my life and hearing him, no one can come close.

      “It is sad to hear of his passing but I think he has had a long, great life. I hope I have the opportunity to live the long life he has.”
      Highly excitable, Walker became a household name – fondly remembered for his mistakes as much as his delivery.
      F1 stars paid tribute to the Brit during preseason testing on Sunday in Bahrain, where a banner was revealed by F1 in his honour.
      Walker is synonymous with a number of Murrayisims, while his commentary when Damon Hill won the title in 1996 was pure emotion.

      F1 legend Murray Walker died aged 97 on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

      Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button being interviewed by Murray Walker in 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He choked back the tears in Suzuka and famously said… ‘and I’ve got to stop because I have a lump in my throat’ when Hill crossed the line.
      Hill said yesterday: “Sadly, now it is us that has a lump in their throats.
      “It has reminded us of what he has contributed in F1 and a reminder to ourselves of what we can achieve if we open up our enthusiasm.
      “The gentleman and the man of his age came across. He was proud to be British and fought in the Second World War.
      “There was that lovely slightly gentlemanly club about him, but he was also very open minded.
      “Let’s keep celebrating his life. Everyone in Formula One had a great relationship with him.”
      Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, added: “I grew up listening to Murray and he was a legend.

      Murray Walker was an icon with the mic in hand during his careerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

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      “He is one of those guys, when you meet one of your heroes, he didn’t let you down. He was just brilliant.
      “I remember him prodding Nigel Mansell in the head when he bumped his head in Hungary.
      “I was fortunate to get to know him a little bit. He had the classic commentators’ curse, in fact, he probably invented it! He was such an infectious character.”

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      Murray Walker funniest quotes – including his F1 classic line ‘there’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire’

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      MURRAY WALKER, the voice of Formula 1, produced some of the greatest ever lines in sporting commentary.
      The motorsport legend, who passed away at the age of 97 on Saturday, is responsible for countless iconic quotes during his storied broadcasting career.

      Tributes poured in for Walker on Saturday after his death was announcedCredit: Reuters

      Here are just 20 of the best lines from a commentating icon.
      “There’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire.”
      “You can cut the tension with a cricket stump.”
      “With half the race gone there is half the race to go.”

      “IF is a very long word in Formula One; in fact, IF is F1 spelled backwards.”
      “I imagine the conditions in those cars are totally unimaginable.”
      “Even in five years time, he will still be four years younger than Damon Hill.”
      “Either that car is stationary or it’s on the move.”

      Walker received an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motorsportCredit: Reuters
      “That’s history. I say history because it happened in the past.”
      “Do my eyes deceive me or is Senna’s car sounding a bit rough?”
      “There are seven winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today, and four of them are Michael Schumacher.”
      “And the first five places are filled with five different cars.”
      “The lead car is unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.”

      “And this is the third-placed car about to lap the second-placed car.”
      “And now, excuse me while I interrupt myself.”
      “The battle is well and truly on if it wasn’t on before, and it certainly was.”
      “You might not think that’s cricket, and it’s not, it’s motor racing.””Two laps to go, then the action will begin. Unless this is the action, which it is.”
      “I’m going for first,” (Explaining away a British Touring car driver putting up his middle finger).
      Murray: “There’s a firey glow coming from the back of the Ferrari!” – James Hunt: “No Murray, that’s his rear safety light.”
      “I want to say so much more than I have time for.”

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      Murray Walker’s energy and enthusiasm lit up living rooms on Sundays and his famous ‘Murrayisms’ will live on forever

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      “GO, GO, GO!”
      It was an unmistakable start to any F1 Grands Prix from THE voice of motorsport, Murray Walker.

      Iconic motor racing commentator Murray Walker has died aged 97Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      His enthusiasm for racing lit up living rooms across the UK on Sunday afternoons.
      His voice broke with excitement and amplified the pictures being beamed out of the television set.
      At times, he was over-excited and it led to the famous ‘Murrayisms’ we have come to love, as his hurried sentences became tangled up as his mouth moved quicker than his brain.
      And then there was the raw emotion, unlike what we see with today’s polished broadcasters.

      His commentary when Damon Hill won the F1 world title in 1996 will live long in the memory.
      To replay it now, it brings back all the emotion of that day at the Japanese GP at Suzuka.
      “He took the lead,” he says. “He stayed there. And Damon Hill exits the chicane and wins the Japanese Grand Prix.
      “And I’ve got to stop. Because I’ve got a lump in my throat.”

      Rest in Peace Murray Walker. His commentary when Damon Hill won the World Championship in 1996 is still one of Sports most iconic moments for me. #F1 pic.twitter.com/v3kDrFrDUV
      — Curls (@Baramenyn_) March 13, 2021

      Thousands of tributes poured in for the iconic commentatorCredit: Splash News

      Walker’s ‘Murrayisms’ made him a household name in the UKCredit: Splash News

      It was rare for Walker to be lost for words in the commentary box alongside James Hunt, who was F1 world champion in 1976, and later Martin Brundle.
      Walker was born in 1923 and his father Graham raced motorcycles and after a stint in the tank regiment during the war, Walker also tried his hand at racing.
      But his true talent remained behind the microphone after turning his back on a career in advertising.
      Walker had a gift for resonating with the public.
      During his marketing career, he headed up the team that came up with the ‘a Mars a day helps you work rest and play’ slogan.
      He’s also credited with the ‘Opal Fruits: made to make your mouth water’ tagline.
      But his calling was at the racetrack and he was given his first chance at the 1949 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
      Walker was made full-time in 1978 at the BBC and headed up their coverage before shifting across to ITV before he retired in 2001.
      Whenever he commentated, Walker stood up, which allowed him to amplify his excitement and made his style famous across the world.
      He was endearing, engaging and commanded the respect of all the drivers on the grid, striking up friendships with them.

      FAMOUS ‘MURRAYISMS’

      “There’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire”
      “With half the race gone there is half the race to go”
      “I imagine the conditions in those cars are totally unimaginable”
      “Either that car is stationary or it’s on the move”
      “Do my eyes deceive me or is Senna’s car sounding a bit rough?”
      “And the first five places are filled with five different cars”
      “And this is the third-placed car about to lap the second-placed car”
      “The battle is well and truly on if it wasn’t on before, and it certainly was”
      “Two laps to go, then the action will begin. Unless this is the action, which it is”
      “It’s a sad ending, albeit a happy one, here at Montreal for today’s Grand Prix”
      “Andrea de Cesaris, the man who has won more grandS prix than anyone else without actually winning one”
      “And now excuse me while I interrupt myself!”
      “The young Ralf Schumacher has been upstaged by teenager Jenson Button, who is 20”
      “It would have been Senna’s third win in a row if he’d won the two before”
      “I’m ready to stop my start watch”

      Walker was well liked by almost everyone within F1Credit: Rex Features
      Walker was also down to earth with a fantastic sense of humor.
      His Pizza Hut advert with Hill is still fantastic to this day, while there is also a clip of him commentating on snooker (below) which is worth a watch.
      After retiring from the commentary booth, he still did occasional F1 work with the BBC and wrote a column on their website.
      Walker continued to watch F1 and always displayed the same enthusiasm, despite dialling back his appearances following a cancer diagnosis in 2013.
      His last media interview was in a podcast with the Australian GP last summer in which he praised Lewis Hamilton as the greatest.
      Last August when he asked who the best driver was, Walker said: “I’m going to have to say very shortly Lewis Hamilton, because if you look at it in terms of statistics, he’s already got more poles than Michael Schumacher.
      “But he’s also in my opinion — and this is very contentious indeed — better than either Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna because both of them adopted, at various times in their career, highly debatable driving tactics.
      “Lewis Hamilton has never been anything like that. He’s always driven as clean as a whistle.”
      That’s Murray, telling it like it is.
      His errors, of course, made him famous yet the warmth he shared with the British public saw that reciprocated when perhaps others would have been criticised.
      To use a phrase synonymous with the great commentator, unless I am very much mistaken, he was truly one of a kind.

      Murray Walker could make ANYTHING exciting with his eccentric commentary style. This is one of my favourites – snooker! “He’s missed it, he’s missed it, FANTASTIC!!” pic.twitter.com/KQcg5iqN2A
      — Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) March 13, 2021

      He was popular with drivers and media colleagues alikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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