Despite a raft of safety improvements over several decades, the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit still provides the ultimate test for both driver and car. In 1961, the circuit provided a challenge that is almost unimaginable today—any mistake could have led to life changing consequences. It is hardly surprising then that Moss regarded his performance in 1961 to be one of his greatest.

Driving Rob Walker’s Lotus 18/21, Moss was arguably in mildly uncompetitive machinery compared to the works teams. Qualifying on the second row, Moss was in the lead by the end of the first lap and remained out front from then on.

One of the difficulties of the Nordschleife is that its length makes changeable conditions particularly challenging due to the time elapsed over each lap. Moss, driving with extraordinary bravery, used the appearance of rain to further extend his advantage over the powerful Ferrari Sharknoses. By the chequered flag, Moss was over 21 seconds ahead of Wolfgang von Trips. Remarkably, this would be Stirling Moss’s final Formula 1 victory.