[5] This race would see Michael Schumacher set his 77th and final fastest lap in Formula One, a record he still holds as of 2025[update].

As there was no race at Hockenheim in 2011, 2012 was the first year that the drag reduction system (DRS) and Pirelli tyres featured at the circuit.

[7] Romain Grosjean took a five-place grid penalty after his team discovered a terminal issue in his gearbox.

[9][10] Sergio Pérez was given a five-place grid penalty for impeding Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen in the second qualifying session.

[12] Jules Bianchi replaced Paul di Resta at Force India,[13] while Valtteri Bottas once again drove Bruno Senna's Williams for the same session.