Sebastian Vettel and Gerhard Berger see clear reasons why Germany is not currently organizing a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The German Grand Prix was last on the program in 2019 and racing was still held at the Nürburgring in 2020 due to the corona pandemic. Vettel sees that the sport is too expensive and that the Germans may be far too realistic about it. Moreover, the country is not represented by much racing talent.
Formula 1 has raced at Hockenheim for many years, but after an exciting race in 2019, the circuit disappeared from the calendar. At the moment, a race with our eastern neighbors does not seem to be returning anytime soon. ‘It is expensive. The costs involved in setting up a Grand Prix are very high and perhaps the Germans are just a bit too realistic,” says Vettel at the German branch of Sky Sports. ‘Formula 1 has become more popular worldwide, but not in Germany.’
According to the four-time world champion, this goes hand in hand with the absence of great German talent. This year there is one German, 36-year-old Nico Hülkenberg, in the premier class of motorsport and Mick Schumacher seems to be the only hope for the future as Mercedes’ second driver. ‘He is the best German talent and perhaps even the only German talent. It’s a difficult situation for him, but an opportunity can always arise. It is important for him to continue working on his second chance.”
Berger: ‘Germany needs a Grand Prix’
Berger, who was also present at the Nordschleife, thinks it is a shame that there is no longer racing in a country with a rich Formula 1 history. ‘Germany needs a Grand Prix. Historically, the country has played a major role in motorsports. You see that thousands of people spend their free time on motor sports.’ According to Berger, in order to bring another Grand Prix to the country, the entire motorsport landscape must be tackled. “More financial support is needed and that starts with karting,” said the former Formula 1 driver.
