As it stands, there will not be a German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in 2020, the circuit chief has stated.
After a successful event in 2018, and thanks to a title sponsor deal with Mercedes, this weekend marks the first time since 2006 that the historic venue has welcomed Formula 1 in consecutive years.
But the chances of Hockenheim once again becoming a permanent fixture on the calendar currently appear bleak.
“We are constantly negotiating with the Formula 1 leadership, but from today’s perspective, there will not be a German Grand Prix in 2020,” circuit boss Georg Seiler said to Speed Week.
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F1 is currently looking to drop two races from the schedule for 2020 to make way for the new Vietnam and Dutch GP’s.
Initially, it appeared as though the Spanish and Mexican races would be getting the axe and Seiler didn’t completely rule out that current status changing
“In 2018 we were at the same point, as no one would have thought that there would be a race the following year,” he noted.
Whatever the outcome, Hockenheim director Jorn Teske has reassured that even if the German GP disappears for next year, the circuit will not give their F1 aspirations.
“Of course, we are fully committed to a Formula 1 future at the Hockenheimring,” he declared. “But we are also realists. We have always said – Formula 1, with pleasure, but not at any price.
“We have to have the chance to break even. We are a race that does not benefit from state funds, such as races in Asia or the Middle East.”