Negotiations with Formula 1 have begun in Hockenheim.

      The new owners of Hockenheim have approached the Formula 1 management with a proposal to bring back the German Grand Prix. The German track has hosted stages of the World Championship intermittently since 1970, with the last race taking place in 2019, which was won by Max Verstappen. In 2024, control of the racetrack passed to new investors who plan to significantly expand its infrastructure. The emodrom group, which owns 74.99% of Hockenheim shares, intends to invest 250 million euros in expanding the Porsche Experience Centre, building a new hotel and the Motorworld complex, and is also considering the return of Formula 1. Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that negotiations have taken place. He noted that other countries are also vying to host stages, willing to pay high promoter fees, so the Hockenheim management understands the costs that will be required to return to the calendar. Stefano Domenicali: "Representatives from Hockenheim contacted us, after which the first negotiations took place. As you know, they are currently developing the motorsport complex, initially pursuing somewhat different goals. If they want to discuss the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 stage, then, of course, investments of a completely different scale will be required, as we have specific requirements. But we have already discussed this issue. We are certainly monitoring the growth of Formula 1's popularity in the USA, but we also see growth in Europe, which is becoming an important market for us again. The figures in Europe are indeed rising." Domenicali added that European tracks have many competitors, as several countries are vying to host the Grand Prix. This includes South Africa, Rwanda, Thailand, South Korea, Argentina, and second races in China and Japan. Stefano Domenicali noted that "negotiations in Africa are progressing very well," however, Formula 1 is not in a hurry to finalize agreements, as the championship calendar is already almost formed for the near future. He also believes that it is premature to hold a second stage in China at this time. "We are receiving new proposals from China and Japan," continues the president of Formula 1. "But for now, we want to maintain only one race in China, as we first need to strengthen our position in this market even more before considering the possibility of holding a second stage."