Method 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he’s “prepared for talks” to revive the German Grand Prix after a chronic absence from the calendar.
Germany has an extended historical past in F1, having hosted its first points-paying world championship race again in 1951.
At one time, F1 was so standard within the nation that it staged two races a yr, with the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim being complemented by the European Grand Prix at Nurburgring from 2008-2014.
However after the Nurburgring dropped out in 2015, Hockenheim’s contract additionally ran out in 2019, having already been diminished to internet hosting the race each different yr.
The final F1 race in Germany occurred in 2000, when COVID restrictions prompted the collection to overtake its calendar and draft in Nurburgring beneath the Eifel GP banner.
Though F1 has been decreasing its European footprint in favour of recent markets, Domenicali underlined that Germany stays strategically essential for the championship – and mentioned it will revisit the nation if there’s curiosity from a promoter.
“Cash is secondary for the time being. To start with it’s about figuring out with whom we’ve got to speak. We’re prepared for talks,” Domenicali informed the Bild.
“Germany is Germany and belongs in Method One. So if somebody has a critical curiosity he’ll discover a option to contact me.”
Germany has produced a few of F1’s best drivers, together with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel
The nation’s largest luxurious automobile producer Mercedes additionally has a long-standing presence in F1 via its manufacturing unit staff, whereas rival model Audi – companion of the broader Volkswagen Group – can even enter the collection for the primary time in 2026.
Germany may probably be a part of the calendar via a calendar rotation system, which has been touted as an answer to F1’s enlargement points.
The Belgian Grand Prix, as an illustration, just lately signed a four-race deal till 2031, overlaying 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, however skipping 2028 and 2030.
Domenicali acknowledged Germany’s place in F1 historical past but additionally highlighted the competitors it faces from different nations desirous to safe a spot.
“Time is urgent. There’s a lengthy ready listing of firms and even international locations with their prime ministers and kings who’re determined to have a race,” Domenicali mentioned.
