F1
Published on August 9, 2026 • 02:00 PM by Olena Champlain

F1 – Hockenheim is knocking on F1's door again: Domenicali opens it a crack… but the checkbook will have to follow

Hockenheim returns to talks with F1: Domenicali opens the door to the German GP, ​​but warns that the return will not be immediate.

Is the German Grand Prix about to be resurrected? Some are already quick to proclaim Hockenheim's return. Stefano Domenicali, however, is much less categorical: discussions are taking place, but F1 is talking about the medium term. Between Audi, Hülkenberg, and €250 million in investments, Germany does, however, have some new arguments in its favor.

F1 returning to Hockenheim? Domenicali "It will definitely happen."

Beware of the green flag being waved too quickly.

For the past few hours, Hockenheim's return to the Formula 1 calendar has been presented on social media as practically a done deal, with this formula attributed to Stefano Domenicali:

"It will definitely happen."

The reality is considerably less spectacular. And incidentally, much more interesting.

The F1 boss did confirm that discussions had resumed with the Hockenheimring officials, but he certainly did not announce a German Grand Prix for tomorrow morning.

"In the medium term, not the short term."

This is the part of Domenicali 's statement that slightly cools the champagne already taken out of the refrigerator.

Hockenheim is back at the table, and that's already something new.

The important change is elsewhere: after years during which the German project seemed to have been shelved, Hockenheim has re-established direct contact with Formula 1.

Domenicali explains that an initial discussion did take place between the two parties. He nevertheless emphasizes a detail that has become almost as important as the kerbs in modern F1: money.

"The investment needs to be different."

Understanding this is key: owning a historic circuit is no longer enough. It's also necessary to present the economic model, infrastructure, and financial resources corresponding to Liberty Media's version of F1.

Nostalgia is charming. Organizational rights, however, are rarely settled with memories of Michael Schumacher.

250 million on the table: Hockenheim isn't coming back empty-handed.

This time, however, the German circuit has some advantages.

In 2024, Emodrom Group Holding and several private investors acquired 74,99% of the capital of the company operating the Hockenheimring. Their program includes €250 million in investments over five to ten years, notably to expand the Porsche Experience Center, build a hotel, develop Motorworld, and modernize the entire site.

In other words, Hockenheim is no longer simply asking F1 to return because "it was better before".

He is renovating the house before inviting Domenicali to dinner.

And the work is no longer just theoretical: the renovation of the hotel complex and the creation of the Motorworld Inn Hockenheimring have notably begun this year, with an opening planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Audi is also seriously changing the equation

There is one major difference compared to recent years: Germany now has its own Formula 1 constructor.

Audi officially entered the championship in 2026 and, the black-red-gold cherry on top, fielded Nico Hülkenberg.

The German driver himself had been cautious in January. He acknowledged that discussions were already taking place, while believing he did not foresee a return of the national Grand Prix in the short term.

A few months later, Domenicali 's comments went exactly in that direction.

Audi 's presence therefore guarantees nothing. But to sell a German Grand Prix to sponsors, broadcasters, and the public, having a German manufacturer and a German driver is still slightly more practical than arriving with a VHS tape of the 1999 Nürburgring.

F1 is suddenly rediscovering that Germany loves F1

Domenicali also highlighted the renewed interest from the German market. The head of the sport specifically mentioned the agreement with RTL and increased competition surrounding future television rights in Germany. For him, this is a sign that European interest in F1 remains strong.

F1 had already highlighted the success of its exhibitions in Germany this year: the one in Oberhausen had exceeded 150,000 visitors, before a second exhibition was launched in Munich.

Curiously, a market with Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Volkswagen and a good part of world automotive history could therefore still be interested in motorsport.

A rather shocking revelation.

2019: Hockenheim had nevertheless left us with a lovely memory

The last German Grand Prix held at Hockenheim was in 2019. And it didn't exactly produce three hours of nap time: rain, accidents, improbable strategies and a victory for Max Verstappen made for one of the most chaotic races of the season.

Germany hosted F1 again in 2020 at the Nürburgring, but under the name Eifel Grand Prix , won by Lewis Hamilton . Since then: silence.

This makes the German absence all the more surprising when Formula 1 is simultaneously piling up international destinations.

The problem remains the same: where to put it?

Because Domenicali can love Hockenheim as much as he wants, the calendar is not expandable.

F1 still plans 24 races in 2027, and the commercial success of the championship now allows Liberty Media to select promoters rather than chase after them.

Hockenheim will therefore have to prove not only that it can finance its Grand Prix, but also that it deserves a place in the face of the many countries that are knocking on the door.

This is now the paradox of F1: everyone wants a race at the precise moment when there is almost no room left to organize one.

A credible comeback, yes. Confirmed, absolutely not.

The real information is therefore less sensational than the "BREAKING" circulating on social media, but it is far from insignificant.

Hockenheim and Formula 1 are back in serious talks. The circuit owners are investing heavily, Audi is now present on the grid, Hülkenberg is bringing a German face to the championship, and Domenicali is publicly acknowledging that a return is possible.

But " conceivable in the medium term " and " it will certainly happen" remain two quite different phrases.

For now, Hockenheim has one foot back in the door.

Now he just has to convince Liberty Media not to close it when it comes time to present the bill.