Hockenheim is talking to F1, but a return remains theoretical

Hockenheim is in discussions with Formula 1 about a possible return to the circuit, but the project remains largely theoretical at this stage. Hockenheimring managing directors Joern Teske and Jochen Nerpel addressed the possibility as the venue launched Motorworld, a centre bringing together areas including motorsport, business and events.

Formula 1 currently has a 24-round calendar and several potential candidates, including Rwanda, which is expected to join in the early 2030s. Hockenheim remains interested in making the world championship its flagship event. Teske says the series is watching developments at the circuit closely. He confirms that discussions are under way, but says F1’s priority is to ensure the overall conditions are right. In his view, Motorworld is an impressive building, but not the decisive requirement for staging a Grand Prix: the wider infrastructure matters more. He says the images released impressed people, including Stefano Domenicali, F1’s chief executive.

A return would also require changes to the venue. Nerpel says temporary grandstands would be needed to increase capacity from just under 60,000 to close to 100,000, alongside a larger pit building to accommodate all 11 teams. He points to facilities in Hungary, saying a building of that kind can be constructed in six to nine months.

Funding remains a major obstacle. Teske regrets the limited support for Formula 1 in Germany, despite the country’s automotive reputation, and puts the chances of obtaining public money at “virtually zero”. He contrasts that situation with countries such as Rwanda, where government interest has been expressed.

The executives say several issues still need to be resolved and that there is nothing substantial to announce publicly for now. Teske does not rule out a last-minute replacement race if it could help open the way to a multi-year contract. But he questions the value of a one-off event without longer-term prospects, particularly financially, while stressing that this is his personal view and has not been agreed internally.

The calendar’s wider uncertainty also came up: as uncertainty related to the war in Iran subsides, Teske says a one-off replacement race would not be worthwhile financially for Hockenheim. The circuit does, however, have a connection to part of the current grid: 14 of the 22 drivers have raced there, and Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have won at the venue.