After several years of absence, the German Grand Prix could make its return to the Formula 1 calendar with the Hockenheim circuit as the venue for a highly anticipated event in Germany.
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The CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, has confirmed that initial talks have taken place with the Hockenheim circuit, while specifying that these are still preliminary discussions.
Home to many world champions and long a staple of the calendar, Germany has gradually disappeared from Formula 1 due to several factors: ever-increasing organizational costs, lack of financial support from public authorities, and a political context that is increasingly unfavorable to the automobile industry.
Europe is recovering
The country hosted its last race in 2020, when the Nürburgring replaced several events canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The last true German Grand Prix was held in 2019 at the Hockenheim circuit (photo above).
For Stefano Domenicali, Europe is now regaining a strategic place in the development of Formula 1: “We see that Europe is also continuing to progress. It is once again an important market. The numbers are good.”
The Italian executive revealed that the initiative came directly from the German circuit: “ Hockenheim contacted us. Initial discussions have taken place. The circuit is currently undergoing modernization. But if we talk about a possible return of Formula 1, additional investments will be essential. Our platform requires a certain level of investment.”
A “Motorworld” at 250 million
The Hockenheim circuit has precisely launched a large renovation program estimated at 250 million euros, including the construction of a hotel and a “Motorworld” complex intended for visitors.
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Domenicali emphasizes that Formula 1 is looking for a sustainable partnership rather than a simple one-off return: “We are not only thinking about the short term, but about a long-term collaboration.”
On the Hockenheim side, the general manager Jörn Teske was much more cautious: “We are in regular contact with Formula 1. We want to get a complete vision of the framework in which a return would be possible, as well as the opportunities and risks. There is interest, but we have no concrete results to announce at the moment. If a Grand Prix becomes a real possibility, we will not fail to inform everyone.”
TV rights on the market
Interviewed by RTL, Teske reaffirmed that both parties share the same goal: “The fact that both sides want this return has already been communicated several times. As always, we are looking for an economically viable solution.”
Beyond the Hockenheim case, several signals indicate a renewed interest in motorsport in Germany. After Mercedes, Audi has joined Formula 1 as an official constructor and the FIA recently confirmed the return of the German Formula 4 championship starting in 2027.
The German audiovisual market could also evolve soon. The exclusive rights held by Sky Deutschland expire after the 2027 season and Stefano Domenicali expects increased competition: “ For the first time, several broadcasters should participate in the tender.”
The Italian executive also wants to maintain a significant presence of Formula 1 on free-to-air TV in the German market: “Of course, we are discussing with broadcasters to find the best way to further increase Formula 1’s visibility. This is a topic currently on the table.”
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