Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond And James May Pay Tribute To Sabine Schmitz After Her Passing Aged 51

Sabine Schmitz produced one of the greatest ever episodes of Top Gear when she raced a Ford Transit around the Nurburgring. Behind the wheel of the stripped out van, she overtook motorbikes, supercars, and scared the crap out of now-Grand Tour presenter Richard Hammond.

But before this, she spent a long time with Jeremy Clarkson, teaching him how to drive a diesel Jaguar S-Type to its full potential around the Green Hell. Clarkson has a huge personality, but Sabine’s personality was easily big enough to match it. Her enthusiasm and poke was infectious, and while the content of the episode made it great, her being on it made it legendary.

Clarkson has now paid respect to Sabine Schmitz on Twitter after this morning it was revealed that the German racing driver had passed away after a three-year battle with cancer.

“Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz,” he wrote.” Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”

Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

Fans were quick to agree, responding with comments of admiration. “This has knocked me for six,” one fan replied. “Such an amazing and empowering women and a true role model.”

Another fan commented the following:

“Seeing her do a 10-minute lap in a van was one of the finest examples of driving ever commuted to film…”

James May also paid his respects to Sabine:

I never thought car makers should be at the ‘Ring, but I always thought Sabine Schmitz should, and would, be. Rotten news. #RIP

I never thought car makers should be at the ‘Ring, but I always thought Sabine Schmitz should, and would, be. Rotten news. #RIP

— James May (@MrJamesMay) March 17, 2021

Richard Hammond also paid his respects via Twitter.

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

— Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) March 17, 2021

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

The love for her in the replies to these Twitter posts is clear, and it’s not a surprise that people are hurting this morning after such sad news. We wish Sabine’s family and friends the best and send our greatest respects.