"Completely fascinated when I saw all those people dressed in red running around"

A Grand Prix on a legendary circuit such as the Nürburgring calls for reminiscing. Seven years we had to wait for a return to the German circuit, but next weekend it will be that time.

First ride on the circuit

Sebastian Vettel lovingly recalled being the last winner of a Formula 1 race at the Nürburgring in 2013. "After that victory I was very relieved. I have always wanted to win in Germany. But to win the Grand Prix at the Nürburgring here, after several attempts, was a great feeling," said the German to RTL.

The first time he drove the Nürburgring was when he had just got his driving licence. "I drove my car to the Eifel to do a lap on the Nordschleife. It was a lot of fun. At least in the first half of the lap. At some point the brakes got too hot and I almost lost the car.”

At Ferrari in the pit lane

Vettel also once met his great hero, Michael Schumacher, in the pits of Ferrari at the Nürburgring. Because of his connections with the Kerpen kart track, and therefore also with Schumacher, he was lucky to get into the pits. "I was sixteen or seventeen years old and was totally fascinated when I saw all those people dressed in red running around. Just great. The passion that Michael sparked in Germany later paved the way for my generation.”

The current circuit

The Nürburgring has undergone many renovations, but some parts have remained intact. "My favourite section is the part around the Dunlop bend the part furthest away from the start/finish line. This part is still the old part of the track and has a lot of character. It is a pity that the Castrol-S, the chicane, no longer exists. It is no longer so beautiful rhythmically, but the rest of the track is great."