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The iconic Hockenheimring hosted the first Formula 1 German Grand Prix in 1970. Since then, it has undergone major changes in track design, and the current "shoe-shaped" design came into existence since 2002. No matter what the design, there have been a couple of drivers during every era that dominated the Hockenheimring and even went on to become world champions.
At the moment, with uncertainty surrounding the German Grand Prix, 2018 could be the last year at the Hockenheimring. A win for Lewis Hamilton
in the Mercedes would etch his name in history amongst the select few who hold three race victories at this track. The Silver Arrows managed to win the last two races here in 2014 and 2016.
There is plenty of action to look forward to at the German Grand Prix on 22 July. Nevertheless, let us look back and revisit the drivers who had the most wins at Hockenheimring.
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#4 Nelson Piquet - 3 Wins
Ranked as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time by most pundits, Nelson Piquet's first win at Hockenheim came in 1981. The Brazilian driving the Brabham-Ford had a lackluster qualifying finishing sixth. An excellent show during the race coupled with a bit of luck, Piquet finished first ahead of Alan Prost clinching his third win of the season.
His other two wins came in 1986 and 1987. Like in 1981, the Brazilian took the win starting from the sixth place, which marked his second win of the season. He would go on to win two more races that season and eventually finished the championship in the third place.
The 1987 win at the German Grand Prix was his first win of the season. Nelson Piquet picked up two more wins along the way and took the world championship home at the end of the 1987 season.
#3 Ayrton Senna - 3 Wins
Aryton Senna is the only driver in Formula 1 who won at the Hockenheimring for three consecutive years. Interestingly, in all the three wins, he had started the race from the pole position.
The Brazilian's first win at Hockenheimring during the 1988 season, which was his fifth win of the season. With many more dominating performances, he was eventually crowned as the world champion at the end of the season.
His second win during the 1989 season was the 18th win of his career and his fourth win that season. However, the Brazilian's season was scarred with multiple retirements, forcing him to concede his championship to Alain Prost.
The 1990 world champion's win at the German Grand Prix completed his hattrick. Consistent performances throughout the season helped Senna regain the championship that he had surrendered the previous year.
#2 Fernando Alonso - 3 Wins
All of Fernando Alonso's wins came in the redesigned Hockenheimring. The Spaniard's first win came in 2005 while driving for Renault. He started the race from the third spot but showed great character during the race and finished on top. He went on to win his first world championship that year.
The two-time world champion had to wait for another five years to taste victory at the Hockenheimring. Having started the race from second place, Alonso endured a great duel with Massa before taking the checkered flag.
Two years later, the Spaniard would return to the track and pick up his third win. He started the race from pole and finished first with a dominating performance. Alonso finished the 2012 season in the second place, only three points behind the champion Sebastian Vettel.
Fernando Alonso's reunion with the McLaren is not going too well this year and it is highly unlikely that he would pick up his fourth win in the 2018 German Grand Prix.
#1 Michael Schumacher - 4 Wins
Michael Schumacher's first win at the Hockenheimring came in 1995. Driving the Benetton Renault, the German finished the qualifying in the second place, less than one-tenth of a second behind Damon Hill. With a great race pace, he picked up his 15th Grand Prix win. Schumacher won nine races that season and retained his world championship.
His other three wins came with Scuderia Ferrari from 2002 to 2006 in the redesigned track. The German's 2002 win saw him start the race in pole position as well. Moreover, Schumacher had finished on the podium in every race that season and accumulated his fifth world championship.
Schumacher's German Grand Prix win was the 81st win of his career. More scintillating performances by the German that season led him to his seventh world championship.
Michael Schumacher's fourth win came two years later in 2006. Driving the Ferrari, he started the race in the second sport behind Kimi Raikkonen. Strong shows by the German and Massa ensured a Ferrari one-two.
Schumacher announced his retirement that year after finishing second in the championships. He would later return to Formula 1 in 2010 and retired for the second time in 2012 after failing to recapitulate his form with the Silver Arrows.
