‘Queen of the Nurburgring’ and ex-Top Gear host Sabine Schmitz dies aged 51 The Top Gear presenter revealed last year that she had been dealing with a rare form of cancer since 2017. By Press Association Wednesday 17 Mar 2021, 11:24 AM Wed 11:24 AM 11,816 Views 4 Comments Racing driver and Top Gear presenter Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51. Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Image: Andrew Matthews/PA SABINE SCHMITZ, THE only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, has died at the age of 51. The Top Gear presenter revealed last year that she had been dealing with a rare form of cancer since 2017. German race track Nurburgring said in a statement: “The Nurburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.