Ecclestone reveals true reason behind F1’s absence in Germany

Speaking in an interview with Sport.de, the British businessman stated: “I often think about it and I don’t understand it. It’s just strange that it’s not being made possible.

According to him, no one would oppose a potential return of Germany to the calendar — one of the few major European countries, alongside France, that no longer has a place in Formula 1.

Although the last official German Grand Prix dates back to 2019 at Hockenheim, Formula 1 last raced on German soil in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the modern Nürburgring volunteered to host one of the rounds in a season heavily affected by cancellations due to the global surge in COVID-19 cases. The event, titled the Eifel Grand Prix, was won by Lewis Hamilton.

Recently, however, Germany and Formula 1 have reconnected — albeit in an indirect way. The credit goes to Max Verstappen, who decided to take part in two rounds of the NLS, the endurance championship held on the legendary Nordschleife.

The Dutchman not only obtained his A permit during the first weekend but went on to claim victory in his very first GT3 race.

The event proved to be a huge success, both in terms of broadcast figures and track attendance, with massive crowds gathering at the circuit to witness the Red Bull driver’s achievement. Could this be a sign of renewed momentum towards a possible return of Germany to the F1 calendar?