In recent years, many European races have left the F1 calendar. The Imola GP was removed from the 2026 calendar, while the Dutch GP will host its final race this season. It was also announced last season that the Belgium GP and Barcelona will alternate turns hosting a race. However, a classic track which left the calendar could make a surprise return.
The German GP was removed from the race calendar after the 2019 edition, won by Max Verstappen. The country has hosted 64 F1 Grand Prix, split between the Nürburgring and Hockenheim. The latter has reportedly contacted Formula 1 to see if it can rejoin the sport.
Hockenheim approaches F1 for return
The Hockenheimring has been in touch with F1 to return to the sport. After a six-year absence, the track has new investors who are pumping money into the circuit. Hockenheim, which first hosted a race in 1970, won by the year's champion, Jochen Rindt, believes now is the time to see the pinnacle of motorsport return to Germany.
↗︎F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that talks, saying, "It was Hockenheim that connected with us, and they had the first discussion. As you know, they are developing the motorsport park there with a different objective.
"If they want to discuss a possible F1 event, of course the investment needs to be different - because our platform needs to have a different kind of investment. But we have discussed that."
Domenicali also claimed that the European market was growing, despite some races being removed. This would be good for classic tracks like Hockenheim to return to F1. With limited spaces on the calendar, it could be used as a rotation option with another European race. However, the track will face obstacles to a return.
What stands in Hockenheim's way?
The German GP left F1 as it couldn't attract the crowds. Compared to other European circuits like Austria and Silverstone, the Hockenheimring couldn't attract fans throughout the entire weekend. In the days of Michael Schumacher, fans would flock to see their hero. But other German drivers couldn't attract the hordes of spectators. There is a fear that it could still be the case today.
Hosting an event is expensive and would cost a minimum of $20 million. That is a large sum to pay if the fans aren't turning up. There is also a lack of German drivers, with 38-year-old Nico Hulkenberg coming to the twilight of his career.
The other issue is the number of races trying to join the calendar. Races have been touted in Africa, with Rwanda and South Africa vying for a potential spot. Thailand and South Korea are also attempting to join the F1 party, while Argentina is strongly emerging as an option due to the success of Franco Colapinto.
Fans would love to see the classic races return, with Hockenheim high on the list. But the question remains: does it have the funds, the pull and the space to return to the F1 calendar? Only time will tell.
