Dec.22 (GMM) Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has played down expectations of an imminent German GP return, warning that the event will not force its way back onto the calendar without the right commercial conditions.
Germany has been absent from the schedule since the pandemic-era race at the Nurburgring in 2020, with the last traditional German GP held at Hockenheimring in 2019.
Speaking to motorsport-magazin.com, Domenicali struck a cautious tone.
“The good thing is that we’re not desperate, because we have so many inquiries from all over the world,” the Italian said. “If the German market doesn’t see the return of Formula 1 as a priority, then we have to accept that and look ahead.”
That remark follows comments from German motorsport bodies, including the ADAC, who have openly acknowledged that rising hosting fees make a race financially unviable under current conditions.
Still, Domenicali insisted the door is not closed.
“We are ready and open to any kind of discussion,” he added. “I see a few signs of a silver lining. Hopefully this will develop further in the coming months. We are interested in returning to Germany – but with the right organiser and the right offer.”
The wider context is Formula 1’s booming global demand, with new and returning venues competing fiercely for limited calendar slots, leaving traditional European races under increasing financial pressure.
Domenicali also addressed speculation that free-to-air television could help reignite interest in Germany, following ongoing changes to the country’s broadcast landscape.
“I don’t believe that’s the solution,” he said, referring to calls for a stronger free-to-air presence. “We have to wait and see how the situation develops after RTL’s compliance process, as they will then own our rights, to see what the best platform is.”
While acknowledging the importance of accessibility, Domenicali made clear that Formula 1’s future lies primarily online.
“Not in the short term on the German market,” he explained, “but we definitely need to put together the right package with RTL to be attractive.”
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