Why Nürburgring will not return to F1: official explains reasons behind decision. Nürburgring officials have ruled out the possibility of the track returning to the F1 calendar.

Why will the Nürburgring not return to F1? When it was announced a week ago that Formula 1 had reached a renewal agreement with the Belgian Grand Prix organizers until 2031—on the condition that in 2028 and 2030, the Ardennes circuit would give way to other tracks—doors seemed to open for circuits that have made F1 history but have been left out under Liberty Media and FOM’s new direction, such as the Nürburgring.

The last time F1 raced at this track was in 2020, during the event named the Eifel Grand Prix, won by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. During that race, he equaled the career victory record of another legend of the sport, Michael Schumacher.

With Spa-Francorchamps opening up to rotation in the calendar, many fans had hoped for a Nürburgring return. However, the circuit’s spokesperson, Alexander Gerhard, ruled out an F1 comeback for financial reasons.

Nürburgring: hosting such an event would be unsustainable

The Nürburgring is currently managed by a private company, making it impossible to organize such a large-scale event independently. Alexander Gerhard stated that such a project would be financially unsustainable, as it would inevitably result in a loss.

Hosting a Grand Prix not only requires paying a substantial hosting fee to Formula 1 itself but also covering the organizational costs of the event. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the GP would receive government subsidies, leaving ticket sales as the only source of revenue—an income unlikely to be sufficient to cover all expenses.

“For these reasons, the plan is not feasible for us as a private company in this form,” Gerhard explained to Sky Sport Deutschland. “Since the last discussion over a year ago, no further talks have taken place with the series organizer.”

Hockenheim or Nürburgring: which has a better chance of returning to F1?

In Germany, with Audi’s entry into F1 in 2026, efforts are being made to bring a race back to the country. While the Nürburgring has already ruled out this possibility, Hockenheim appears to have a better chance of returning. In recent years, the circuit has received significant investments to improve its facilities and make it suitable again for hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

However, the Hockenheim organizers may face challenges. More and more countries are vying for a spot on the F1 calendar, reflecting the growing globalization of the sport. Stefano Domenicali has no intention of favoring historic circuits solely for their tradition or prestige. As a result, competition is expected to be intense.