Hockemhimring reveals intention to return to F1

Having launched a significant investment recently, the Hockenheimring has revealed its intention to make its comeback to the F1 schedule in the near future.

The German Grand Prix has been absent from the Formula 1 schedule since 2019 when Max Verstappen won at the Hockenheimring. In fact, Germany made a quick return to the F1 schedule in the coronavirus-affected 2021 F1 season when the Nürburgring hosted the Eifel Grand Prix as a replacement event.

Despite Germany's role in the automotive world, there is only one German driver in the current field with Nico Hulkenberg after the departure of Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher.

However, with Audi set to join the pinnacle of motorsport as a second German manufacturer alongside Mercedes, there is an ever-growing intention to bring the German Grand Prix back to the F1 calendar.

It has now emerged that a group of investors has recently acquired the Hockenheimring and is committing substantial funds to modernize it for the future.

The investor group Emodrom Group Holding aquired a stake of 74.99 per cent of the Hockenheimring GmbH, having paid around six millions euros. The company is set to invest 250 million euros into the Hockenheimring over the next five to ten years.

Tim Brauer, managing director of Emodrom Group, has revealed that the company has kicked off the development of the Hockengeimring four years ago.

"We have been working in the background for more than four years to further develop the Hockenheimring as a leading racing circuit and are now keen to realise future-oriented projects.

“Of course, we are also thinking about Formula 1, but we approach such considerations with great caution."

Brauer noted that the development plans include expanding the Porsche Experience Centre, building a modern hotel close to the circuit and a Motorworld with the reconstruction set to upgrade the German track to regain its appeal to Formula 1.

"We are not going to do anything crazy financially, but we are trying to find ways to bring Formula 1 back to Germany."