F1: Five Classic German Grand Prix Moments

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Despite doubts over its future, the German Grand Prix has provided some great F1 moments of the years. Image sourced from hockenheim.de

Despite its on-off relationship with F1 in recent years, the German Grand Prix is a race packed with history.

So as we return to Hockenheim this weekend, let’s look at 5 classic moments from the German Grand Prix.

5: 1994 German Grand Prix – Verstappen’s fiery pit stop
Jos Verstappen demonstrates the aftermath of the infamous pit fire from the 1994 German Grand Prix. © Sutton Images

It was a difficult weekend for the Benetton team for the 1994 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Michael Schumacher fought for the lead, but fell away quickly with engine problem, while teammate Jos Verstappen has a fiery incident when in the pits.

During a pit stop, some fuel was sprayed onto the car when the nozzle was released.

Seconds later, it ignited on the hot car and the Benetton pit box was engulfed in a ball of fire.

Luckily Verstappen escaped with just burns around his eyes, and no other team member was severely injured.

This incident is still talked about today with the debate about returning to refuelling, and the dangers it brings.

4: 2014 German Grand Prix – Hamilton’s disaster Qualifying
A brake failure sends the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton to slam into the barriers during qualifying for the 2014 German Grand Prix. © Getty Images

Qualifying for the 2014 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim didn’t go well for Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

The Brit suffered a brake failure during his Q1 lap at Sachs Kurve, sending him into the tyre wall. Thankfully, Hamilton walked away from the incident, “ok but sore”.

To make things worse, his arch rival, and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg took pole.

Hamilton would recover to claim an impressive third place in the race, from 20th on the grid, while Rosberg won his home race.

3: 2009 German Grand Prix – Webber’s maiden victory
The 2009 German Grand Prix saw Mark Webber end the longest wait for a Formula 1 race win, after doing so at the 130th attempt. Image sourced from Marco’s Formula 1 Page (WordPress).

The 2009 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring was a memorable one for Aussie Mark Webber.

The Red Bull driver took his first career pole on Saturday beating the Brawn cars by just over a tenth.

Webber lost the lead into turn one to the Brawn of Rubens Barrichello, and then made contact with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.

The incident gave Hamilton a puncture and Webber a drive through penalty.

But the Australian wasn’t beaten yet, and but on a stunning drive through the field and got back into the lead.

A lead which he would not lose, as he crossed the line to take his first ever victory in F1.

It was the first win for an Australian driver since Alan Jones won the 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

2: 2010 German Grand Prix – ‘Fernando is Faster than you’
The contrasting emotions of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa during the podium ceremony for the 2010 German Grand Prix. © Reuters

The 2010 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim was a controversial one for Ferrari.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was leading the early stages of the race, although teammate Fernando Alonso seemed to be quicker.

And on lap 48, the infamous radio message “Fernando is faster than you” was given to Massa.

Massa followed the order and let Alonso take the lead and eventually take the victory.

The incident cost Ferrari $100,000 in fines from the FIA, but no further punishments.

1: 2018 German Grand Prix – Vettel’s home race heartbreak
Sebastian Vettel kicks the gravel in frustration after crashing out of the 2018 German Grand Prix. © Hoch Zwei/Global Look Press

Sebastian Vettel’s 2018 German Grand Prix turned from home hero to heartbreak in seconds.

The German was leading the race from pole position and was looking good to take his first victory at Hockenheim, a track just 40 minutes from his home town.

However, on lap 51, as conditions were getting wetter, Vettel was caught out at Sachs Kurve.

Locking the rear under breaking, his Ferrari slid off into the gravel trap and into the wall.

An emotional Vettel stormed back into the paddock, clearly not interested in discussing the incident.

Title rival Lewis Hamilton compounded Vettel’s woes by winning the race from 14th on the grid, and retook the championship lead.

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