In 1937 and 1938, the German Grand Prix teams from Mercedes and Auto Union competed at the Donington circuit in Britain. British racing enthusiasts were overwhelmed by the meticulously organised expeditions of both German teams, complete with mechanics, a team leader, and a well-structured organisation.
Mercedes team leader Alfred Neubauer revolutionised the sport by introducing race information from the pits during the race, building the concept of a proper racing team, and developing strategic approaches. Neubauer essentially created the blueprint for the racing team structure we know today. The English were in awe, and both races were decisively won by the German teams.
This rare colour photograph of the pits from that era transports us back to a time of immense excitement. Imagine the German mechanics traveling from Stuttgart to the Midlands on slow-moving lorries, navigating through Europe on rudimentary roads while the threat of war loomed large.
Sadly, the thrilling racing period of the 1930s came to an abrupt end as the outbreak of World War II would put an end to this golden age of motorsport.
