The German Grand Prix’s continued absence from the Formula 1 calendar is “regrettable”, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits.
2022 will be the second straight year no race in the European country will be held, this after a brief renaissance with Hockenheim hosting back-to-back events in 2018/19 and the Nurburgring returning as part of the Covid calendar in 2020.
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The typical view from fans would be the lack of a German GP is purely financial, as F1 would much rather take the higher hosting fees offered by races in the Middle East or elsewhere.
But Domenicali insists that isn’t the case.
“It’s very important. We have to make sure the traditional Grands Prix keep their place,” the F1 CEO told Sport1 of Europe’s future role on the calendar
“Believe me, I’m disappointed and also sad that we don’t have a German Grand Prix at the moment. But unfortunately, I don’t see any real interest from Germany in becoming part of the Formula 1 calendar again.
“That’s a shame and actually hard to believe. I hope this will change again in the future.
“We have so many requests from all over the world. We could easily race on 30 different circuits, and to see that nobody from Germany is ringing the bell is regrettable.”
It is hoped the arrival of Mick Schumacher on the F1 grid will lead to increased interest in Germany, but for now, it appears the sport is a long way from the time when it could sell out two races per year in the days of Mick’s father Michael Schumacher.
“I’ll never forget those good old days,” Domenicali, a former Ferrari boss, added.
“The Germans are passionate motorsport fans, and the atmosphere at the Nürburgring and Hockenheim was always fantastic. Given that interest, I don’t think the right answer is being given at the moment.
“That’s another reason why I want to start talking to the promoters, but also other interested parties in Germany, at the beginning of 2022.
“It should be an open discussion to sound out how Formula 1 can return to Germany and I will play an active role in this.”