Stefano Domenicali does not rule out a return of Formula 1 to Germany, but also emphasizes that the competition is fierce and time is therefore pressing.
Formula 1 has not held a Grand Prix in Germany for five years now. The last time the premier class visited the country was in October 2020 for a race at the Nürburgring, which, due to the coronavirus pandemic at the time, was not held as the German Grand Prix but as the Eifel Grand Prix.
The last “real” German Grand Prix in Hockenheim was six years ago, and Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali told Sport Bild that there had been “unfortunately” no talks about a possible comeback on the calendar.
When asked how much money would have to be put on the table for the Grand Prix to return, Domenicali replied: “Money is secondary for now. The primary concern is that we know who we need to talk to. We are open to discussions.“
”Germany is Germany and therefore belongs in Formula 1,“ emphasized the head of the premier class, adding: ”So if anyone is seriously interested, they will find a way to contact me. But time is pressing.”
“There is a long waiting list of companies and even countries with their prime ministers and kings who desperately want a race,” says Domenicali. The fact is that the calendar for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season will again comprise 24 races.
Most of the Grands Prix have long-term contracts until at least 2030. The frontrunners in this regard are Miami and Spielberg, where Formula 1 will continue to race until at least 2041.
In addition, as Domenicali mentioned, there are numerous other countries that would like to host a Grand Prix, such as Thailand, South Africa, and Rwanda. In short, there are significantly more interested parties than spots on the calendar.
Last year, Domenicali himself made it clear that 24 Grands Prix per year were “the right balance” for Formula 1 and that the calendar should not grow any further. This makes it difficult for potential candidates.
Domenicali therefore explained at the time that “in the medium term, some Grands Prix in Europe will be held on a rotation basis.” Spa, for example, extended its contract this year until 2031, but the race will take a break in 2028 and 2030.
Such a solution would allow new races to be added to the calendar without further inflating it.
