F1's German Comeback: Hockenheim Initiates Key Upgrades

Hockenheim begins its transformation with Tilke, marking steady strides towards reinstating the German F1 Grand Prix.

The new 75% owners of the Hockenheim circuit assert that they are proceeding with “great caution” in their attempts to revive the German Formula 1 Grand Prix.

In April, the investment group Emodrom revealed that “five medium-sized companies” had purchased the majority of the historic Formula 1 circuit for €5.5 million, also taking on a debt of about €20 million.

The local council has ultimately approved the deal.

“Of course, we are also thinking about Formula 1. We’re not going to do anything reckless financially, but we are trying to find ways to bring Formula 1 back to Germany,” said Emodrom’s CEO, Tim Brauer, yesterday.

The last Hockenheim Grand Prix took place in 2019, and since then, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly expressed the sport’s desire to return to the country.

“We have never broken off contacts and discussions with Formula 1,” today told us Jorn Teske, the boss of Hockenheim, “but we are taking things slowly and seriously. We have to make sure we do not end up in deficit.”

“That’s why we are initially focusing on other projects. We think in cycles of 20 to 25 years, not in the short term.”

To convince Domenicali and F1 owner Liberty Media, however, it would almost certainly require investment to significantly modernise the Hockenheim facilities. And Hermann Tilke has already been contacted…

“I have already been in contact with the new investors,” revealed Tilke, the most renowned Formula 1 circuit designer.

“It would be great if we could host a Formula 1 race in Germany again.”

“But Formula 1 today demands additional criteria, not just a decent racing circuit. Instead of 2,000, there now needs to be at least 4,000 to 5,000 VIP seats, areas for fans, spaces for concerts, tents, kitchens, etc.”

According to Tilke, the new pit building alone could cost €50 million.

“There is ample space for it and the track itself is perfectly suited for Formula 1.”