Bernie Ecclestone SLAMS American-owned F1 for not having the ‘financial will’ to return to Germany

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has criticized the sport's current owners for their inability to revive the German Grand Prix.

Bernie Ecclestone SLAMS American-owned F1 for not having the ‘financial will’ to return to Germany

Bernie Ecclestone (image via AutoSport)

Formula 1 has a rich history in Germany, with iconic circuits like the Nurburgring and Hockenheimring. The former, renowned for its challenging Nordschleife layout, hosted the German Grand Prix numerous times.

However, since the 2019 season, the German GP has not returned to the calendar, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a significant role in its absence. Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has criticized F1 management for not taking action to revive the famous German GP.

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The German GP, which has long been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar, has faced financial disputes and challenges in securing suitable venues. In 2015 and 2017 the race was not held due to disagreements over funding and a lack of agreement between the organizers and Formula 1 management.

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German drivers like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have enjoyed tremendous success on home soil thanks in part to their passionate fanbases. Ex-F1 boss Ecclestone expressed his disappointment, stating that it was unfortunate that the sport was not conducting events in Germany anymore.

It is disappointing that Formula 1 has fallen asleep in Germany. In my time, the greatest support for me probably came from Germany. Now, there no longer seems to be the financial willingness to do what is necessary to bring Formula 1 back.

Bernie Ecclestone told Sport.de

Ecclestone criticized Liberty Media, the current owners of Formula 1, for their lack of financial commitment to revive the German GP. However, the potential entry of major German automotive brands like Porsche and Audi could see the event come back to life.

Bernie Ecclestone insists Mercedes support efforts to bring back the German GP to the F1 calendar

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali emphasized that the absence of a German Grand Prix was due to a shortage of financial support from teams and sponsors. Currently, Mercedes is the only German manufacturer on the grid, although it is based in the UK.

Bernie Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone has stated that the Silver Arrows should consider providing financial backing to help host the event. However, he acknowledged that financial factors and business priorities make such decisions challenging for the team.

I would have thought that Mercedes would perhaps help a little more to ensure that there is a German GP again. But I suspect that it is difficult for them to make such decisions.

Bernie Ecclestone expressed

Hopes for the return of the German GP remain low until 2026, when Audi and potentially more German teams may enter the sport. The race calendar for the 2025 season has already been announced, with the German GP not on it.

The 2025 season will feature 24 races, the same as the current season. With six races left before the next season begins, fans continue to await developments that could see F1 go back to Germany once again.