Austria invests in its Formula 1 future, while Germany holds on to its history.

      "You cannot finance that through ticket sales or sponsorships."

      While Austria continues to invest significantly in the future of Formula 1, its neighboring country Germany is currently without a grand prix and shows little indication of one returning. Once a stronghold for F1 drivers, teams, and manufacturers, Germany's only current involvement is the Formula 1 Exhibition in Oberhausen. Auto Motor und Sport sent former F1 driver and longtime television analyst Christian Danner to check it out, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia. "It’s incredibly valuable because it’s completely authentic and genuine. There are actual cars, real exhibits, and true technical drawings. It’s exceptional," Danner remarked. His personal highlight? "My Arrows, the car I drove in 1986. This year, I also drove it up the hill at Goodwood. It had so much power that keeping up with the gear shifts was a challenge. It wasn’t easy to drive, but it was fantastic." Even for an expert, he acknowledged there are new things to learn. "There were a few unique aspects where I thought, 'It’s nice to finally see this in such detail.' Like the assembly of chassis components or the explanation of a wind tunnel model. I know what it looks like, but seeing it in individual pieces hanging there allows for a closer examination. That’s intriguing, even for an expert." However, Danner cautioned that a revival of the German Grand Prix seems unlikely. "You can always hope, but I would analyze it quite realistically - unless the German government steps in to assist, it won’t happen," the RTL TV analyst stated. "The expense for a Grand Prix is between 60 to 70 million euros. That’s not something you can cover through ticket sales or sponsors. Government support is essential." Meanwhile, across the border, Austria’s Spielberg circuit is rapidly expanding in preparation for the next era of Formula 1. As reported by Osterreich newspaper, the Red Bull-owned facility will undergo a €13 million overhaul of its pitlane and paddock before hosting its Grand Prix in 2026. The renovations will expand the pit complex to accommodate the upcoming eleventh team, requiring the demolition and relocation of the medical center. An additional €12 million expansion is scheduled for the northern section near the Schonberghof, where a new sky bar is set to be constructed. Construction is already in progress and needs to be completed by late May 2026, just a month before Formula 1 returns to the Styrian hills.