Former Top Gear presenter Sabine Schmitz has passed away at age 51.

Schmitz, who first appeared on the motoring show in 2004 and served as its co-presenter between 2016 and 2020, revealed last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. She died from the disease on Tuesday (March 16).

Before she became a popular TV personality, Schmitz forged an illustrious career as a professional motor racing driver. In 1996, she became the first woman to win the prestigious Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. She won it again the following year, and by her own estimates completed more than 20,000 laps of the world-famous track in Nürburg, Germany.

On Twitter, the official Nürburgring account paid tribute to the woman who became known as "Queen of the Nürburgring." "Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!" the track tweeted.

Paying tribute to Schmitz on the Top Gear website, co-presenter Chris Harris wrote: "She was a bundle of energy, one of those people whose resting facial expression was a huge grin, and she was so much fun to be around and to work alongside. She had been battling cancer for some time, but I suppose we just assumed that it being Sabine — unstoppable Sabine — she would win that one as well."

Paddy McGuinness also paid tribute to Schmitz on Twitter, writing: "She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz."

You can relive one of her most popular Top Gear moments — which took place at her beloved Nürburgring — below.

Rest in Peace, Sabine, and thank you for your service.