Who Is Sabine Schmitz? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sabine Schmitz, born on May 14, 1969, was a renowned German racing driver and a charismatic television personality known for her exceptional skills on the famous Nürburgring racetrack. She made history as the first woman to win the Nürburgring 24-hour race, a feat that solidified her legacy in the motorsport world. Sadly, Sabine passed away on March 16, 2021, but her impact on racing and television remains significant.
In 2025, Sabine would have been 55 years old. Despite her untimely passing, her contributions to motorsport continue to inspire a new generation of racers and fans alike.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1969 |
| Age | 51 Years |
| Birth Place | Adenau, Rhineland-Palatinate, West Germany |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Germany |
| Date of death | 16 March, 2021 |
| Died Place | Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany |
Popularity
Sabine Schmitz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sabine Schmitz stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and her weight was typically around 132 lbs (60 kg). Known for her athletic build, her measurements were reported to be 36-26-36 inches. Throughout her career, she maintained a fit and healthy physique, a testament to her dedication to racing and sports.
Despite high expectations, Schmitz did not find success in the South African championship. She was consistently outqualified and outpaced by Joubert and Van Der Linde, both of whom had extensive experience of the race tracks on which the series was run.
A mid-season crash involving Toyota driver Mike White at Killarney during an open practice session resulted in neck injuries and an injured right knee, forcing her to sit out three consecutive race meetings. At the end of the 1995 season, Schmitz finished last in the Class A points standings, with no race wins, pole positions or fastest laps.
She did not return for the 1996 season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details about Schmitz's personal life indicate that she was devoted to her family. Although Sabine was private about her relationships, she was known to have a close-knit family. In her earlier years, she had a long-term relationship with fellow racing enthusiast Klaus Abbelen, who also helped her navigate her racing career. Following her passing, her legacy continues to resonate with fans and loved ones who remember her as an inspiring figure.
Sabine Schmitz (14 May 1969 – 16 March 2021) was a German professional motor racing driver and television personality. She initially trained to join the same profession as her parents before choosing to begin a career in racing, working as a driver for BMW and Porsche.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2021, Sabine Schmitz had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Her earnings came primarily from her racing career, television appearances, and endorsements. As a popular figure on shows like "Top Gear," she garnered significant financial success that underscored her influence in the automotive industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Sabine Schmitz's racing career is marked by her numerous achievements on the track. She earned the nickname "The Queen of the Nürburgring" and became a familiar face on the BBC’s "Top Gear," where her high-speed laps and humorous personality won over audiences around the world. Beyond racing, she co-owned a motorsport-themed restaurant and played a pivotal role in promoting the Nürburgring as a destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
Despite her passing, her family has expressed intentions to keep her legacy alive through various motorsport initiatives and events.
She became known for being an expert on the Nürburgring circuit, being the first woman to win a major 24h race overall, and winning two victories in 24h races during the course of her driving career on the circuit.
She also became a cult icon on television, following her appearance on BBC's Top Gear, making recurring appearances alongside several of the programme's presenters. In March 2021, Schmitz died of cancer at the age of 51, following a diagnosis in late 2017.
Social Network
Sabine Schmitz was active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where she shared her passion for racing and engaged with fans. Her vibrant posts highlighted her adventures on and off the track, captivating her audience with insights into her life as a racing driver and television personality.
Though she is no longer with us, her social media profiles remain a treasure trove of memories, celebrating her incredible life and career.
In December 2004, Schmitz gained further recognition in the United Kingdom after appearing in the BBC television programme Top Gear with presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
After Clarkson (under her tutelage) set a lap time of 9 minutes 59 seconds around the Nürburgring in a Jaguar S-Type diesel (Series 5, Episode 5), she dismissed his best lap with the comment "I tell you something, I do that lap time in the van". She did a lap in the Jaguar S-Type, and set a time of 9 minutes 12 seconds, beating him by 47 seconds.
When trying to film Schmitz as she drove the S-Type, the film crew were unable to keep up, and had to get Jaguar test driver Wolfgang Schubauer to drive the Jaguar S-Type R chase car.
In a later episode, Schmitz drove a Ford Transit diesel van in an attempt to beat Clarkson's time set in the Jaguar, missing his time by just 9 seconds (Series 6, Episode 7).
Education
Schmitz's education in motorsport began at a young age and was shaped by her family's involvement in racing. While specific details of her formal education are not widely documented, it is evident that her hands-on training and experiences on the track were instrumental in her success as a professional racer.
