This year, the Ennstal-Classic (July 16 to 19, 2025) will receive a top-class visit from Formula 1: The long-time driver of the Formula 1 safety car will come to Gröbming on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the invitation of partner "The CookingSpoon". As usual, he will of course also be sitting in the lead car of the five-lap demo run of historic racing cars at the Porsche Design Grand Prix of Gröbming.
This year Bernd Mayländer celebrates his 25th anniversary as official safety car driver and his premiere at the Ennstal-Classic. With his experience, he brings additional dynamism to the event. His appearance promises to be a special highlight for fans of historic motorsport and the Ennstal-Classic.
"It is a great pleasure for me to be part of the Ennstal-Classic and to drive the lead car in the Demo Grand Prix. The passion for the automobile and the spirit of this event are simply unique," says Mayländer.
Bernd Mayländer and his wines
In addition to his career in motorsport, Mayländer is equally passionate about winemaking. His wines stand for the highest quality and are an expression of his love of perfection - a claim that he pursues both on the racetrack and in the vineyard.At the "Night of the Champions" in the Classic Tent in Gröbming on Saturday evening, he will present his exquisite wines and offer guests the opportunity to taste them. This combination of motorsport and enjoyment will make the evening an unforgettable experience for all participants and VIP guests
In conversation
On his way from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Miami, USA, Robert A. Thiem had the opportunity to talk to Bernd Mayländer in his Swabian homeland about his involvement in the 33rd Ennstal-Classic, his life as a safety car driver and his new role as a winemaker.
Bernd, most people know you primarily as the driver of the safety car in Formula 1. What motivated you to take part in the Ennstal-Classic?
The Ennstal-Classic has always been a big name for me, especially when it comes to historic vehicles. I haven't yet had the opportunity to take part in it myself and that's exactly why I'm really looking forward to my visit to the Ennstal.
As a long-standing brand ambassador for AMG and Mercedes, you regularly attend events with historic vehicles - such as the Festival of Speed at Goodwood in the UK or the Mille Miglia in Italy. Where does your enthusiasm for classic cars come from, especially from the perspective of a motorsport driver?
As a brand ambassador for AMG and Mercedes, I have already had the opportunity to take part in renowned classic car events such as Goodwood and the Mille Miglia. There you can clearly feel that the fascination for the automobile is deeply rooted in its history. If you really want to understand this passion, you have to immerse yourself in this world - for example at events such as the Ennstal-Classic, which plays an important role within the classic car scene.
You have already had the opportunity to drive numerous classic Mercedes racing cars from the 1950s as well as legendary DTM vehicles. Which of these vehicles particularly fascinated you - and why?
The beautiful gullwing cars are particularly impressive - the SL from early history, as well as the prototype that achieved a sensational second place overall at the Mille Miglia and thus celebrated great success. Of course, the legendary Stirling Moss car from the 1955 Mille Miglia should not go unmentioned. I also had the opportunity to drive Caracciola's pre-war model, which also won the Mille Miglia. The history of these vehicles is simply overwhelming.
You once said that, for you, historic vehicles are not just objects for show, but living witnesses to history that should be driven. What exactly do you mean by that?
I think it is extremely important that historic vehicles are not just kept in museums, but are actually driven on the road or at least at classic events. You have to be able to experience them - see them, smell them, the oil, the gasoline - that's all part of it. Only then can you really understand where this technology comes from. For me, such vehicles are living contemporary witnesses. They convey an authentic feeling for how the technology used to work and what was achieved back then.
You may not be a classic car collector in the traditional sense, but you show great enthusiasm for automotive history. Is this mainly due to the analog technology - or do other aspects also play a role?
That's true - I don't have a large collection, but I do own two classic cars from the 70s and 80s, which I look after with a lot of love and also drive occasionally. It's fascinating how simply these cars were designed back then - and yet how reliably they worked. And they still do today! That is something very special for me. I'm particularly enthusiastic about the development over the decades. The combustion engine still has its appeal for me - especially in combination with modern technology.
At the end of 1999, you made the switch from the FIA GT Championship and the Le Mans Series to the driver's seat of the Formula 1 safety car, taking over from Oliver Gavin. How did this step come about?
It was more of a coincidence that I was approached at the time - during a race at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. At the time, I was driving for Porsche in the Porsche Supercup and was on pole position. Suddenly, the race director at the time, Charlie Whiting, approached me and asked if I would like to drive the safety car in Formula 3000 - which is now Formula 2.
So would I have the time and interest to do it on the side? I said yes and would never have thought at the time that 26 years later I would still be sitting in the safety car. Back then it was just a part-time job, but from 2005 onwards I concentrated fully on my role as a safety car driver.
Did you ever dream of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver yourself?
Actually, I never dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver. My heart always beat for touring cars and sports cars - the big dream was Le Mans. This came true in 1999. In 2000, I won at the Nürburgring with Porsche and later drove in the FIA GT1 with Mercedes. I was allowed to drive practically all the super sports cars of the time. I was always a realist - motorsport was a hobby for me that developed into something more. I never really competed in kart races, I was a complete career changer. My great heroes were drivers like Bernd Schneider - and it was precisely these idols who later became my team-mates. I can look back on that with pride and satisfaction.
You will be 54 years old in May. Are you already thinking about retiring from Formula 1?
No, not really. At my age, many drivers and team members are still active in racing. Experience plays a major role in my area of work in particular - it's about assessing situations correctly and making smart decisions. That's why retirement is not an issue for me at the moment. It will come at some point, but I'm not thinking about it at the moment.
And how did your unusual move from safety car driver to winemaker come about?
I'm a "bottled child", so to speak - my grandparents sold Coca-Cola and also owned some vineyards. My dream from an early age was to have my own wine one day. In 2018, I made my first decisive contact with Daniel Kuhnle, a winemaker from the Rems Valley. The idea of creating a wine together quickly emerged. Winegrowing is a bit like racing: You never know whether you prefer driving in the dry or in the rain - but the passion always remains the same.
Mario Andretti with his Andretti Winery in California's Napa Valley, Jarno Trulli with Podere Castorani in Italy's Abruzzo region - and rumor has it that Sebastian Vettel is also planning his own wine project together with his family. So why do racing drivers of all people have such a strong affinity with viticulture?
Many racing drivers appreciate good food and a fine glass of wine. Jarno Trulli has also been a guest at the Ennstal-Classic. I think the main reason behind this is the pleasure of enjoyment. Ending a day with a good glass of wine is simply something wonderful. In Remstal/Baden-Württemberg we have a wonderful wine-growing region, a great house - and when you can make your own wine, it's hard to beat. Of course, there is a lot of work behind it, but also a great fascination - just like building a car. And just like a valuable vehicle, a good wine can be preserved for many years.
Further information on the Ennstal-Classic can be found on the event website.
