Hockenheim still in talks with F1, but funding is a major barrier

Hockenheimring is discussing a possible return to the Formula 1 calendar, but the German venue says the prospect remains theoretical while funding and infrastructure challenges persist.

Managing directors Joern Teske and Jochen Nerpel discussed the circuit’s ambitions as it opened Motorworld, a new centre bringing together motoring-related businesses, events, hotels and hospitality. The development has drawn attention, but Teske stressed that it is not the central requirement for staging a Grand Prix. F1 would need to be satisfied with the circuit’s overall infrastructure.

The project faces hurdles familiar to any effort to bring a German race back. As explored in our report on what a German Grand Prix return would require, a venue needs more than interest and visibility to secure a place on the calendar.

Capacity and facilities would need significant work

Hockenheim would need temporary grandstands to raise its seating capacity from just under 60,000 to close to 100,000, Nerpel said. It would also need a larger pit building able to accommodate all 11 teams.

The circuit last held a German Grand Prix in 2019, with Mercedes providing backing. Financial conditions prevented further events after that race. Hockenheim first staged the event in 1970 and featured regularly on the F1 calendar from 1977 to 2006, before alternating appearances through 2018.

The newly opened Motorworld has impressed, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, according to Teske. But its appeal does not resolve the practical requirements of hosting a race. Teske said discussions with F1 were ongoing, while emphasising that there was nothing substantial to announce publicly.

Public funding looks unlikely to close the gap

Nerpel said the circuit would like stronger support, but assessed the chance of public funding from any source as virtually zero. He contrasted that position with projects where governments or countries actively support hosting Formula 1, and said the situation in Germany was striking given its automotive industry.

Hockenheim is also wary of taking a one-off replacement race without a longer-term benefit. Teske said such an event would be considered seriously if it opened a clear route to a multi-year agreement. Without that prospect, he questioned whether the financial effort would be worthwhile.

The circuit’s hopes remain alive, and Stefano Domenicali has previously spoken about F1 returning to Germany. For now, however, Hockenheim’s talks have not produced a concrete plan, and the cost of upgrading the venue remains a central obstacle.