(Motorsport-Total.com) – “Hockenheimring: How realistic is the return of Formula 1”. With this headline, the Hockenheimer Tageszeitung introduces its interview with the circuit’s managing directors. They express interest in a Grand Prix comeback, but there’s a big “but”: the financing. The Hockenheimring cannot and will not be able to stage a Formula 1 race on its own.
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“It definitely needs financial support from outside,” explains Jorn Teske. “These could be large partners and sponsors from the private sector or – as in many other countries – the public sector. Motorsport associations and manufacturers could also contribute. The whole thing would only work as a joint project.”
Theoretically. Because in practice, a Formula 1 return to Hockenheim fails not only due to money, but also due to space in the Formula 1 calendar: Under CEO Stefano Domenicali, the racing series is “fully booked” for years to come. Many tracks have signed long-term contracts. This makes it difficult for “newcomers” or potential returnees like the Hockenheimring.
Formula 1 only in rotation with another track
Teske sees the situation realistically: “A Grand Prix in Hockenheim can only be implemented in rotation with other European locations in the long term.” An alternating model, for example, also keeps the races in Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps on the calendar: The two traditional tracks will alternate in the future – in odd years, races will be held in Spa, in even years in Barcelona. (Photo gallery: The contract durations of the current Formula 1 tracks)
The contract durations of the current Formula 1 tracks
How close is Hockenheim to such a deal? For Teske, Formula 1 is still an “exciting topic” and his fellow managing director Jochen Nerpel emphasizes: “We are still in talks with Formula 1.” However, there is currently “no new development”. A possible comeback must therefore remain “open”.
What’s happening in Hockenheim – even without Formula 1
However, a lot is happening at the Motodrom: Porsche has established a driver experience center directly at the Hockenheimring. The racetrack has found new investors and has established itself as an event location with festivals and concerts, even beyond motorsport.
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This core business is a priority for Teske: “First and foremost, it’s about making the Hockenheimring fit for the future: as an industrial location, as an event location, and as a platform for innovation.”
“Of course, a Formula 1 race would overshadow everything, but above all, we want to grow permanently, invest, and be able to compare ourselves with the best racetracks worldwide. This can only be achieved with strong partners and bold ideas.”
The Formula 1 history of Hockenheim
At the last Grand Prix in Hockenheim, Mercedes appeared as such a strong partner: The German manufacturer acted as title sponsor of the Formula 1 race in 2019.
In total, the motorsport “premier class” raced 37 times at the Hockenheimring since 1970 – until 2001 on the 6.8-kilometer variant, and from 2002 on the shortened 4.5-kilometer version. (More on this in the Formula 1 database!)
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