“Klaus Abbelen and all relatives and friends are deeply saddened by the immeasurable loss,” the tweet reads.
Schmitz grew up close to the Nürburgring circuit in western Germany. In 1996, she became the first woman to win its famous 24 Hours race, driving a BMW. The following year, she repeated the feat.
Schmitz also worked as a driver on the circuit’s “ring taxi,” which offers visitors the chance to do a lap of the course as a passenger.
“Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
“Very sad to hear that Sabine Schmitz (1969-2021) has passed away. The “Queen of Nordschleife” was a crowd favourite due to her open, humorous way,” the tweet reads. “Our sympathy goes to her family and friends.”
“She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race,” he tweeted. “Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”
