German Grand Prix 1961 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Stirling Moss produced one of the greatest drives in Formula 1 history at the Nürburgring, mastering treacherous wet conditions on the fearsome 14-mile Nordschleife to defeat Ferrari's dominant 156s through sheer driving genius. The British master's victory in Rob Walker's privateer Lotus-Climax came despite the car giving away significant power and downforce to the works Ferraris, with Moss making the difference through supernatural car control in the rain-soaked Eifel mountains. His ability to thread the Lotus through the Nordschleife's 170-plus corners at speeds that defied belief, all while managing tire wear and visibility in the spray, showcased why contemporaries regarded him as the greatest driver of his generation. Moss's Nürburgring triumph was a masterclass in wet-weather driving that left even his rivals in awe, demonstrating that exceptional talent could still overcome technical disadvantage in the right conditions.

Wolfgang von Trips secured a hard-fought second place despite struggling with the treacherous conditions, maintaining his championship lead while acknowledging Moss's superior performance in the wet. Phil Hill completed the podium in third, keeping his title hopes alive as the season headed toward its dramatic conclusion at Monza. The race saw several drivers struggle with the combination of rain and the Nordschleife's unforgiving nature, with numerous retirements and off-track excursions highlighting the circuit's fearsome reputation. Moss's victory temporarily halted Ferrari's march toward dominance, proving that even the best car could be beaten by a great driver in the right circumstances. The Nürburgring victory would be Moss's last in a World Championship Grand Prix, a fitting final triumph that showcased all the qualities that made him a legend of the sport.