As you know, I’m a huge motorsport fan. I mainly follow Formula 1, the DTM, and the ADAC GT Masters. But of course, I’m also fascinated by other series like WTCC, the World Rally Championship (WRC), and legendary endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
As fans, we often look back—sometimes with goosebumps, sometimes with horror—at unforgettable moments in racing history. Here are a few that have stuck with me.
(And apologies: all of these are from the last 20–30 years. I’m not that old—thankfully!—and naturally, we’re most deeply connected to moments we’ve lived through ourselves or to drivers and tracks we know personally.)
Moment 1: “The Pass” (Laguna Seca, 1996)
In the American IndyCar Series, Alex Zanardi pulled off one of the most incredible overtakes in history. On the legendary Laguna Seca circuit, he caught up to Bryan Herta and passed him in the infamous Corkscrew corner—a move most thought impossible.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 2: Prost vs. Senna (Suzuka, 1989)
The rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna gave us many flashpoints. One of the most famous came at Suzuka in 1989. Senna needed a win to keep his title hopes alive and tried to overtake Prost. Prost turned in despite Senna being alongside, causing both to collide. Prost retired, Senna continued, replaced his front wing, and even won—only to be disqualified for skipping the chicane and “dangerous driving.” The FIA’s decision sparked endless debates about manipulation.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 3: Fittipaldi Flip-Finish (Monza, 1993)
On the very last straight of the race, Christian Fittipaldi tried to overtake teammate Pierluigi Martini. He clipped Martini’s wheel, flipped spectacularly through the air, and slid across the line on the car’s floor—still finishing the race.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 4: The Overtake (Spa, 2000)
One of the most iconic moves in Formula 1 history: Mika Häkkinen vs. Michael Schumacher. Late in the Belgian Grand Prix, Häkkinen had been chasing but couldn’t get past. Then both came up behind Ricardo Zonta. Schumacher went one way, Häkkinen the other. Three cars side by side down the straight—it was Häkkinen who emerged ahead.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 5: The Three-Wheeler (Spa, 1998)
In a wet Belgian GP, Schumacher collided with David Coulthard and ended up driving his Ferrari back to the pits on three wheels. The moment is equally remembered for Schumacher storming angrily into the McLaren garage afterward.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 6: Senna’s Compassion (Spa, 1992)
Érik Comas suffered a huge crash at Spa, leaving his car stranded on track. While others sped past, Ayrton Senna stopped immediately, risking his own life to help a fellow driver. A legendary act of humanity from a world champion.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 7: Too Soon to Celebrate (Brazil, 2008)
The title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa came down to the final lap in São Paulo. Massa won the race and thought he had secured the championship—only for Hamilton to snatch fifth place from a struggling Timo Glock in the very last corner. Hamilton became world champion by a single point.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 8: The Flip (Le Mans, 1999)
Mercedes suffered one of the most terrifying incidents in racing. At nearly 300 km/h, Peter Dumbreck’s car launched into the air, flipping violently and sailing off the track. Miraculously, he climbed out unhurt. The crash remains a haunting reminder of how fragile high-speed aerodynamics can be.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 9: Guardian Angel (Le Mans, 2011)
Audi was dominant, but early in the race, Allan McNish collided with a Ferrari and smashed into the barriers at high speed. The car disintegrated, debris rained down, and photographers scrambled for their lives—yet no one was injured. A true miracle.
▶️ Watch it here
Moment 10: An Expensive Start (Spa, 1998)
In one of the biggest start crashes in F1 history, David Coulthard lost control in heavy spray and hit the wall. With visibility near zero, car after car plowed into the wreckage. Thirteen cars were destroyed, the race was red-flagged, and only eight eventually reached the finish.
▶️ Watch it here
These moments are why motorsport continues to fascinate me: the drama, the danger, the triumph, and sometimes the sheer madness.
Das Dreirad!
Bin ja bekennender Coulthard Fan und zwar so richtig. Werde diesen Moment nicht vergessen. Das war wirklich ein Aufreger damals. Damals wurde ja viel gemunkelt etc.
Schön fand ich, dass wenige Rennen davor oder danach (bin mir nicht mehr sicher) Michael dem David seinen Helm für das Rennen in Monaco geliehen hatte. Davids Held hatte sich (wieso auch immer) mit Wasser vollgesaugt und er brauchte einen Ersatz. Michael hat ihm seinen geliehen. Es war etwas verwirrend die ganze Zeit in der Kamera einen Silberpfeil zu sehen mit einem schwarzen Pferdchen auf dem Helm.
Schöne Momente. *seufz*
Tolle Liste.
Coulthard Fan? Auch ein gewisses Alleinstellungsmerkmal, oder? Davon gibt es ja nicht all zu viele. In dieser Zeit war ich eher Häkkinen Fan. Aber nach Senna gab es irgendwie nie wieder DEN CHARAKTER im Sport. Häkkinen war da schon ein lustiger Typ!
Freut mich, dass dir die Zusammenstellung gefällt!
Das find nach Sennas Tod an. Coulthard rutschte ins Team, Hill fuhr mit der 0. Ich habe die erste Bio damals gelesen (The flying Scotsman) und fand ihn toll. Hatte sogar Poster und T-Shirts von ihm. Wanderte von Williams zu Mercedes und zu Red Bull mit ihm. Finde ihn nach wie vor toll, gebe ich zu. (gerahmtes Bild stand auf dem Schreibtisch)
Sennas Tod hat dem Sport eine Lichtgestalt genommen. Häkkinen mochte ich auch sehr. Die beiden zusammen waren mein Dream Team.