German Grand Prix 1981 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nelson Piquet claimed a crucial victory at the German Grand Prix, moving to within one point of championship leader Carlos Reutemann with his third win of the season. The Brazilian drove a calculated race at Hockenheim to hold off Alain Prost's faster Renault, demonstrating the consistency and racecraft that would ultimately deliver him the 1981 championship. Piquet's ability to maximize Brabham's points-scoring potential while his rivals stumbled proved the decisive factor in the title fight.

Prost finished second despite having superior speed, with Renault's reliability concerns preventing the Frenchman from mounting a sustained championship challenge. Jacques Laffite claimed yet another podium for Ligier with third place, cementing his position as the season's most consistent points scorer outside the championship leaders. The German Grand Prix was significant for the championship battle, as Reutemann could only manage eighth place, allowing Piquet to close to within striking distance. With only four races remaining, the title fight had intensified into a genuine three-way battle between Piquet, Reutemann, and Jones, with all three drivers capable of emerging victorious.