Germany can host F1 races in the future - but only if THIS condition is fulfilled

Formula 1’s calendar for 2022 has grown to the point the series are looking to host 23 races. However, it’s a source of disappointment for many that there’s no place for Germany in the F1 calendar as of now.

Germany has not one but two iconic circuits in the Hockenheimring and the Nurburgring. However, the current calendar has no German GP on it.

This was something that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had previously singled out as something he was personally disappointed by.

Domenicali also insisted that this showed Germany has no interest in hosting a Grand Prix race. However, officials at both circuits have now hit back at those claims.

Hockenheim managing director Jorn Teske said the circuit retains an interest in hosting a race. The issue stems from a lack of financial viability in doing so.

“The fact that the Hockenheimring has an interest in Formula 1 taking place here is not new,” he told DPA news agency.

“We also all know the hurdles that exist for this. As long as there are so many countries willing to pay these sums for a Formula 1 race that cannot be refinanced at all, it will be difficult to play in this concert.”

Teske also thinks Domenicali’s comments are “a way for Formula 1 to weigh up how important the market is to them”.

“It is clear that the whole thing cannot be put on the backs of the race tracks. We don’t have the strength for that and it’s not our job either.”

Nurburgring spokesman Alexander Gerhard also agrees with the sentiment. “We would be delighted to welcome Formula 1 to the Nurburgring. But it has to be economically viable,” he added.

What had Domenicali said about Germany and F1?

Domenicali, who has previously held positions at Ferrari, believes it is necessary that F1’s traditional bases remain even as the sport expands.

“Very important. We have to make sure the traditional grands prix keep their place,” the F1 CEO told Sport1 when asked how important it was for F1’s base to remain in Europe.

“And believe me, I’m disappointed and also sad that we don’t have a German Grand Prix at the moment.

“But unfortunately, I don’t see any real interest from Germany in becoming part of the Formula 1 calendar again.

“That’s a shame and actually hard to believe. I hope this will change again in the future. We have so many requests from all over the world.

“We could easily race on 30 different circuits. And to see that nobody from Germany is ringing the bell is regrettable.”

Doubtless fans of all ages would like an F1 return to Germany soon. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen.