Germany, Hockenheim and Schumacher
When thinking about the relationship between Formula 1 and Germany, especially in recent years, a small smile always appears, capable of automatically hiding a certain emotion in the hearts of Circus lovers: wonderful and historic tracks like Nürburgring and Hockenheim, with the latter now presenting a completely different layout compared to the old, fascinating course characterized by long straights located in the heart of the Black Forest. A circuit that no longer exists (with the new configuration no longer hosting Formula 1 since 2019), where exactly 31 years ago, on July 30, 1995, a fully German celebration took place thanks to Michael Schumacher, who on that occasion became the first German driver to win in front of his home crowd in F1 after Rudolf Caracciola in the 1930s, at a time when the Circus did not yet exist.
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Qualifying
Since his debut year in F1, the whole of Germany was waiting for their idol’s victory at Hockenheim, almost always realized: 3rd in 1992 and 2nd in 1993, the reigning world champion had to retire in 1994 due to engine failure, in an edition remembered for the terrifying fire of the other Benetton of Jos Verstappen during the pit stop. In 1995, everything seemed ready from the first moments of a hot weekend, at least until a small ‘curse’ in qualifying: Schumacher, in fact, narrowly missed pole position, taken by his direct rival Damon Hill by only 80 thousandths.
The unexpected leadership
For the British Williams driver, it seemed the start of a weekend that would lead him to victory, but it was not to be. Despite a good start, at the end of the first lap the incredible happened: at the braking of Nord-Kurve, that is turn 1, number 5 dramatically lost control of his car due to the failure of the driveshaft, ending against the barriers. An episode that handed the lead to Schumacher, all while numerous German flags waved from the stands, with fans ecstatic and now able to truly dream. The race, however, was still very long, but nothing negative happened in the remaining 43 laps.
The final celebration after the ‘retirement’
Besides increasing the gap over the second Williams of David Coulthard, Benetton perfectly executed the strategy, allowing Schumacher to return to the lead after two pit stops. A leadership that the ‘Kaiser’ would maintain until the checkered flag, in an incredible stadium-like cheer in the Motodrome. On the last lap, Schumacher began his ride accompanied by the roar of his compatriots, the waving of black, red, and yellow flags from trumpets, whistles, and everything that can be seen at a celebration more Mediterranean than German. Added to this was the track invasion shortly after the finish: the Renault engine of the B195, in fact, failed right on the lap back to the pits, with several fans celebrating on the track near their hero, who would repeat this feat four more times in his career in Germany, always with Ferrari. Second was Coulthard, with Gerhard Berger in 3rd, who despite a Stop & Go penalty for jumping the start managed to complete an applause-worthy comeback with his Ferrari.
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