Friday July 30th 2021
Honor lap on the tow rope
When Schumi appeased the German F1 soul
On July 30, 1995, a dream came true for Michael Schumacher and all German Formula 1 fans. “Schumi” is the first German in history to take first place in the German Grand Prix. A victory that should bring him one step closer to his second world title.
The Motodrom shook, the fans waved their Germany flags and ran happily onto the track, some even kissed the asphalt, an atmosphere like in a football stadium. And Michael Schumacher enjoyed the cheers of the masses to the full. It takes 46 years. On July 30, 1995 the time had come: “Schumi” achieved what no other German Formula 1 driver had ever done before him. The Kerpener won the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring – Schumi-Mania in front of 120,000 spectators.
“Winning the first home Grand Prix in front of such an audience is something fantastic,” said Schumacher, who, as world champion in the Electoral Palatinate, wanted to close “the last gap”: “It is something fantastic to hear the fans’ feelings. there are no words for that, it cannot be described. “
No holding for Schumi
In qualifying, Schumacher had to admit defeat to his former British rival and big title favorite Damon Hill (Williams) by a tiny 80 thousandths of a second. But already on the second lap of the race, fate turned for Schumi: Brit Hill, who was in the lead, spun out in the north curve. As it turned out later, there was a technical defect on his vehicle.
After that there was no stopping Schumi, who was able to prevail against the second Williams driver David Coulthard with a two-stop strategy. After 45 laps in Hockenheim and with a lead of 5.9 seconds, the Kerpener secured the home win. It should be the first of a total of four victories at Hockenheim. An important step on his way to the second World Championship in a row for Benetton.
And because his Benetton Renault refused to work immediately after crossing the finish line, Schumacher was able to soak up all the emotions very well – his car was pulled over the lap of honor by the track safety system with a tow rope.
His son, Mick Schumacher, has now also arrived in Formula 1 and has once again brought back memories of his father Michael among many fans. After the last Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, the driver of the Haas F1 racing team did a few laps in a Jordan 191. His father made his debut in this racing car 30 years ago as a substitute driver for Bertrand Gachot in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium .
.