Can German Formula 1 fans hope for a home race again? Considerations in the premier motorsport class about an alternating model among European Grand Prix tracks from 2026 could also open up opportunities for a return for the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg and the Nürburgring in Rhineland-Palatinate.
A few weeks ago, Formula 1 managing director Stefano Domenicali brought a rotation model into play on the old continent. “In 2026 you will see something interesting. We are discussing with other organizers in Europe to do something that will be announced soon,” said the Italian. 2026 will be a year “in which there will be many Grands Prix, especially in Europe, where we have different options”.
50 million euros entry fee
This season, Formula 1 is contesting 24 races – more than ever before. But there are only nine Grand Prix in Europe left. In recent years, the racing series has expanded primarily outside of Europe due to the high entry fees. Organizers have to pay the equivalent of around 50 million euros annually to Formula 1.
However, the fact that Madrid was presented as the new Grand Prix in January could raise hopes again in Europe. Spain’s capital will be a new attraction in the racing calendar from 2026 to 2035. Since the contract with the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona is valid until 2026, there will soon be two events in Spain.
Not least for the heyday of record world champion Michael Schumacher, a Grand Prix was once held twice a year on German asphalt.
“Always explore common possibilities”
“We assume that Formula 1 is interested in Germany as a market in general. We were, are and remain in contact with Formula 1 and are constantly exploring joint possibilities,” said the managing director of the Hockenheimring, Jorn Teske, to the German press -Agency. “We generally think very highly of a rotation model because it has proven successful with our colleagues at the Nürburgring in the past.”
Between 2007 and 2014, Formula 1 races took place alternately in Hockenheim and at the Nürburgring. The racing series has made a total of 79 appearances in Germany so far. The Nürburgring last hosted the Eifel Grand Prix in the 2020 Corona season; the last Grand Prix to date at the Hockenheimring took place the year before.
Economic efficiency remains the be-all and end-all
“For us, Formula 1 is the premier class of motorsport and we offer the perfect platform for this,” said Nürburgring spokesman Alexander Gerhard to the dpa. The route is at full capacity from March to November. For Formula 1, like the Hockenheimring, they would try to make a lot of things possible.
“The be-all and end-all” for the traditional course in the Eifel is “the economic viability of an event”. This also applies to our colleagues from Baden-Württemberg. “We are pulling together with the Hockenheimring,” emphasized Gerhard.
According to dpa information, Germany is not the top priority for the Formula 1 bosses as a stage location. For example, Audi’s entry as a works team for the 2026 season won’t change anything.
