Formula 1 chief executive officer and former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali has hit out at German officials for giving up on discussions regarding the future of the German Grand Prix.
Not too long ago, Germany was hosting two Formula 1 events each year, held at the Hockenheim and the Nurburgring circuits.
However, Stefano Domenicali pointed out that currently he is only one actively regretting the race’s absence from the Formula 1 world championship:
“If someone pushes for a German Grand Prix, it’s me” – the F1 CEO said, in a recent interview for the largest German news website Der Spiegel – “I don’t see any representative in Germany who sits down with us and makes a constructive suggestion.” – the former Ferrari boss added.
Given the fact that Sebastian Vettel will end his Formula 1 career after the 2022 season, Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher may remain the last German driver on the grid in the next F1 campaign, but even the Haas driver is not sure he will be able to secure a seat for 2023.
As the TV ratings in Germany have slumped, race officials from the Hockenheim and the Nurburgring circuits pointed out that they just can’t afford to pay Formula 1’s huge sanction fees.
“We know that the value of a race in Europe is different than in other parts of the world. If you want a Picasso, you have to spend a lot of money for it.” – said Stefano Domenicali, who is convinced that “a grand prix with such a large fan base could be turned into a business model. My door is wide open for any conversation,” the Formula 1 chief executive officer added.
German professional racing driver Timo Glock believes part of the issue is that the rich motor racing culture in Germany has been decimated during the last few years:
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“The problem is that hardly anyone wants to get into motorsport at the moment because it is considered to be harmful to the climate and backward-looking. That has destroyed the entire base.” – the former Formula 1 driver said, in a recent interview for leading German automobile magazine Auto Bild.
Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn feels that Audi joining the series in a few years could lead to more interest and support for the German Grand Prix: “I hope it helps to get a German GP back, because it frustrates me that we don’t have this race on the calendar at the moment,” he told Sport1. “It is one of our biggest goals for the future. It’s why it’s also extremely important that Mick Schumacher continues his career in Formula 1. As fascinating and important as the technology in Formula 1 is, the kids hang posters on the wall of their heroes at the wheel.” – Ross Brawn concluded.
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