01.08.2026
A year before its 100th anniversary, the Nürburgring is a versatile event venue that hosts a wide range of events alongside thrilling motor racing. The origins of the development that led to today’s Nürburgring – comprising the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife – date back over 50 years. At the centre of events in the 1970s was a man whose accident on the Nordschleife marks its 50th anniversary this year: Niki Lauda. During the so-called ‘Golden Age of Motorsport’ in the 1950s and 1960s, car racing was many times more dangerous than it is today. Following a series of tragic accidents on racetracks around the world, drivers developed a new awareness of their health. This sparked a debate in the late 1960s about safety in motor racing, which primarily concerned the 22.835-kilometre-long Nürburgring. Too unsafe, too dangerous, and in many respects no longer fit for purpose – that was the verdict of many racing drivers. The Formula 1 boycott of the Eifel circuit in 1970 led to extensive safety modifications, carried out in stages over several years, during which the character of the Nürburgring underwent a fundamental transformation. Formula 1 deemed the modifications sufficient the following year and returned to the Eifel, initially for two periods of three years each. Even though serious accidents continued to occur from time to time despite the safety measures, the premier class returned to the Nürburgring again in the summer of 1976 – for what was to be the last race at the Eifel circuit for the time being, due to the expiring contract. Despite the extensive improvements, however, voices were once again raised in the run-up to this event – notably that of Niki Lauda – arguing that the combination of the Nordschleife and Formula 1 was simply too dangerous and that the race should be cancelled. As is well known, the 1976 Grand Prix went ahead as planned nonetheless. In the second lap of the race, however, it was none other than the Austrian – who had been met with hostility by many fans over the race weekend for his comments against the Nürburgring – who lost control of his Ferrari 312T2 in the left-hand bend at the Bergwerk section. The car crashed through the safety barriers, struck the embankment and was hurled back onto the track in flames. Other cars were unable to swerve out of the way; Lauda was left unconscious in the burning Ferrari and survived only thanks to the successful rescue efforts of some of his fellow drivers. This incident made it clear even to the Nürburgring’s supporters that new solutions were needed. Although the race was later restarted, 1 August 1976 marks a turning point in the long history of the Nürburgring. In the aftermath of the race, with the events still fresh in everyone’s minds, the idea that Formula 1 would return seemed out of the question. Lauda, who had spoken out against a Grand Prix with Formula 1 cars at the Nürburgring but did not reject the circuit itself, fought his way back into the cockpit in the weeks that followed despite suffering extremely serious injuries, and only narrowly missed out on the 1976 World Championship. When reflecting on the events of the summer of 1976, it is often claimed that Lauda’s accident was the main and sole reason for the Nordschleife being dropped as the venue for the German Grand Prix. Accusations arose from many quarters that Lauda was the ‘gravedigger of Formula 1 at the Nordschleife’. However, the final decision on this matter was not taken immediately after the race in August 1976. It was not until March 1977, after many factors had been considered, that Formula 1 drivers’ representatives decided, following a track inspection, that no further top-flight races would take place on the Nordschleife. To blame Lauda personally for the withdrawal of Formula 1 from the Nürburgring in the mid-1970s would therefore be just as wrong as to claim that his stance caused long-term damage to the Nürburgring. Rather, it can be said that the absence of the country’s most important sporting event, combined with the Austrian’s words of warning, set in motion a process of reflection which ultimately led to the decision to build the Grand Prix circuit. This new, significantly shorter circuit – designed first and foremost with safety in mind – was intended to secure the future of the Nürburgring and, with it, the future of an entire region. Construction work began in November 1981, and the new circuit was opened in May 1984. Ayrton Senna, who was still a much lesser-known figure at the time, won the inaugural race, which was attended not only by several Formula 1 world champions but also by Lauda himself, who was full of praise for the new circuit. Since the mid-1980s, the Grand Prix circuit has been a key factor in the future of the Nürburgring. One man, whom many would probably not have expected, played a part in improving safety on the new circuit: Niki Lauda. Having drawn attention to safety issues on the Nordschleife in the mid-1970s, he now used his experience to help develop the Nürburgring further. Even though this circuit had left a lasting mark on his life, Lauda – who passed away in 2019 – contributed in many ways to securing the future of the Nürburgring. His legacy in relation to the Nürburgring lies in the transformation he initiated – and this transformation has helped to make the Nürburgring what it is today: the world’s most beautiful race track, which, even in its 99th year of existence, continues to attract countless fans from all over the world to the Eifel.
17.07.2026
Shortly after the start and finish area, on a plateau near the village of Nürburg, the construction site led downhill. The route descended for several kilometres towards Müllenbach. In the Bränkekopf area, a series of treacherous bends in quick succession were constructed, which later became known as the ‘Hexenkurven’ (Witches’ Bends). Whilst the track was being laid, shortly after the 2-kilometre mark – in the Aschenschlag area – the workers discovered the remains of a Roman manor house dating back almost 2,000 years. This gave the section the nickname “Hüsgen”, which refers to the ruins. After construction, the remains of the walls were forgotten and only came to light again during the construction of the Grand Prix circuit between November 1981 and May 1984. Today, they can be found next to the country road that used to be the southern loop." ℹ️ The Nürburgring opened in 1927. As part of #Roadto100, we are looking back at various milestones in our long history in the run-up to our big anniversary year!
19.06.2026
The Nürburgring was officially opened on June 18, 1927. With the unveiling of the official “100 Years of the Nürburgring” logo, the legendary racetrack is now kicking off the build-up to its 2027 anniversary year. At the same time, the Nürburgring is offering a first glimpse of a special weekend for fans, families, and friends of the Green Hell: On June 19 and 20 in 2027, the Nürburgring invites everyone to the grand anniversary weekend “100 Years of the Nürburgring – The Fan Event.” The anniversary logo draws on the design and color scheme of the historic Nürburgring logo from the early years of the legendary racetrack, thus bridging the gap back to the time when one of the world’s most famous racetracks was opened. Beneath the striking “100”—whose design is based on the Nürburgring’s current corporate typeface—is the phrase “hearts racing since 1927.” This ties the anniversary logo to the slogan “nürburgring. we make your heart race.,” which the Nürburgring uses in its current communications. “The overall design of the anniversary logo deliberately bridges the gap from the year of its opening to the present, thus connecting a full century of the Nürburgring,” explains Alexander Gerhard, Head of Communications at the Nürburgring. “For us, 100 years of the Nürburgring are far more than just historical black-and-white photographs. They represent ten decades full of spine-tingling moments, great successes, moving stories, and countless memories. Generations of people have experienced and shaped this place, writing their own personal stories with the Nürburgring. It is precisely this connection between tradition and the present that we want to convey through this logo in the coming months.” The anniversary logo will now feature in all communications surrounding the 100th anniversary and will also be used in the stories and content that will gradually build up to the anniversary. Date for the Centennial Anniversary CelebrationAlong with the official unveiling of the logo, the Nürburgring is offering a first glimpse of the anniversary weekend “100 Years of the Nürburgring – The Fan Event.” Motorsports fans, people from the region, friends of the Nürburgring, and families can already mark June 19 and 20, 2027, on their calendars to celebrate this major anniversary together that weekend. Admission to the fan event will be free for all visitors. The two managing directors of the Nürburgring are also looking forward to the anniversary weekend with great anticipation: “The Nürburgring’s 100th anniversary is a special occasion that we want to celebrate together with the people who have shaped and been part of this place for generations. The Nürburgring belongs to the region, to the fans, and to the many people who have created countless memories here. That’s why this anniversary should be a celebration for everyone,” says Christian Stephani.His colleague Ingo Böder adds: “We look back with great pride on the history of this legendary racetrack. For a century, it has been a source of excitement and unique moments. At the same time, today it is far more than just a racetrack. It is a versatile event venue, an employer, an economic driver, and home to an extraordinary community. Being part of this history and writing the next chapters together with visitors from all over the world is simply wonderful.” In the run-up to the anniversary, additional event highlights will be unveiled gradually. The plans include activities on and around the legendary Nürburgring track, featuring a colorful program and a wide range of offerings in the paddock and on the ring°boulevard. Visitors can look forward to a weekend that brings the history, present, and future of the Nürburgring to life. ➡️ You can find more information here.
