– “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 host a Formula 1 race on its own.
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“Financial support from outside is definitely needed,” explains Jorn Teske. “This 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 lack of space in the Formula 1 calendar: The racing series is “fully booked” for years to come under CEO Stefano Domenicali. 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 the long term in rotation with other European locations.” 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)
Photo gallery: 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
But a lot is happening in the Motodrom: Porsche has set up a driver experience center directly at the Hockenheimring. The race track 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 race tracks 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 acted as such a strong partner: The German manufacturer was the title sponsor of the Formula 1 race in 2019.
Overall, the “premier class” of motorsport raced 37 times at the Hockenheimring since 1970 – until 2001 on the 6.8-kilometer variant, from 2002 on the shortened 4.5-kilometer version. (More on this in the Formula 1 database!)
