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The management of the iconic German circuit Hockenheim is in talks with Formula 1 bosses over a potential return to the championship calendar. At this stage, however, the project remains largely theoretical due to financial challenges and a lack of state support.
Jörn Teske and Jochen Nerpel, managing directors of the Baden-Württemberg venue, addressed the situation in an interview with motorsport outlet Formel1.de. Their comments coincided with the unveiling of the new "Motorworld" multifunctional complex, which brings together motorsport, retail, hospitality, and automotive culture.
The Hockenheimring hosted the German Grand Prix for the first time in 1970 and was a permanent fixture on the calendar between 1977 and 2006 before alternating with the Nürburgring. The circuit's last race took place in 2019 thanks to financial backing from Mercedes, after which economic conditions made hosting future events unviable.
Even though the current F1 calendar features a packed 24 rounds, with interest extending to new destinations like Rwanda, the German venue remains determined to secure a spot back on the grid.
“Formula 1 is keeping a close eye on what we are doing here,” Teske said. “We are in talks, but the main focus is whether the infrastructure and general conditions meet the necessary standards. The photos and plans for our new buildings impressed everyone, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, which reflects the progress we are making.”
To meet modern Grand Prix requirements, the venue would need temporary grandstands to boost seating capacity from 60,000 to nearly 100,000, as well as an expanded pit building capable of accommodating 11 teams.
However, securing adequate funding remains the primary hurdle. Jochen Nerpel highlighted the stark contrast between the approach in Germany and other countries:
“We see examples like Hungary, where new pit facilities were built in under nine months with government assistance. When a project receives institutional backing, as seen with discussions in Rwanda, things move quickly. In Germany—a nation with an immense automotive heritage—support for Formula 1 is surprisingly weak, and the chances of securing public funding are virtually zero.”
The circuit's hierarchy also expressed scepticism regarding the possibility of Hockenheim stepping in as a short-notice replacement race.
“If hosting a one-off race opened the door to a multi-year deal, we would give it serious consideration,” Teske added. “However, if it is purely a temporary stopgap, the effort and costs are definitely not worth it.”
Fourteen of the current 22 Formula 1 drivers have raced at the Hockenheimring, with three taking victory: Fernando Alonso (2005, 2010, and 2012), Lewis Hamilton (2006, 2016, and 2018), and Max Verstappen (2019). Michael Schumacher remains the record holder at the German venue with four victories.
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