Germany remains in anticipation as Domenicali dampens hopes for a return.
"We are prepared and willing to engage in any form of discussion."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has tempered expectations regarding the swift return of the German Grand Prix, indicating that it won't be reinstated on the calendar unless the appropriate commercial conditions are met. The last race in Germany occurred during the pandemic at Nurburgring in 2020, while the most recent traditional German GP took place at Hockenheimring in 2019. In an interview with motorsport-magazin.com, Domenicali took a cautious stance. "The positive aspect is that we’re not in a desperate situation, as we receive numerous inquiries from around the world," the Italian noted. "If the German market does not prioritize the return of Formula 1, we must accept that and focus on the future."
This statement follows acknowledgment from German motorsport organizations, including the ADAC, that increasing hosting fees render the race financially unfeasible under current conditions. Nonetheless, Domenicali emphasized that discussions are still welcome. "We are prepared and open to any type of dialogue," he remarked. "I perceive a few indicators of hope. Hopefully, this will evolve positively in the upcoming months. We are interested in returning to Germany - but only with the right organizer and the right offer."
The broader context involves the surging global demand for Formula 1, with new and returning venues fiercely competing for limited slots on the calendar, placing traditional European races under growing financial strain. Domenicali also addressed speculation that free-to-air television could rekindle interest in Germany, especially given the ongoing changes in the country's broadcasting framework. "I don’t think that’s the answer," he commented, in reference to the calls for a stronger free-to-air presence. "We need to monitor the developments following RTL’s compliance process, as they will then control our rights, to determine the best platform."
While he acknowledged the significance of accessibility, Domenicali emphasized that Formula 1's future is primarily rooted in online platforms. "Not in the immediate future for the German market," he clarified, "but we definitely need to create the right package with RTL to attract interest."
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Germany remains in anticipation as Domenicali dampens hopes for a return.
Formula 1 | The CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, has tempered hopes for a quick return of the German Grand Prix, cautioning that the event will not be rushed back.
