Hulkenberg: German GP Return 'Quite Far From Happening'

Nico Hulkenberg has poured cold water on the idea of a German Grand Prix return, declaring that a comeback is "quite far from happening." The event last appeared on the F1 calendar in 2019, when Hockenheim hosted a chaotic race that marked its farewell.

Why it matters:

Germany is one of Formula 1's most historic markets, yet it has been sidelined for over half a decade. While the sport is openly courting new venues in Rwanda, South Africa, and Thailand, the absence of a German round raises questions about F1's balancing act between tradition and expansion.

The details:

• The 2019 Hockenheim race was a dramatic, rain-hit thriller that ended the German GP's long run.
• The Nürburgring filled in for the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix during the pandemic, but no German round has been held since.
• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently admitted the sport is open to a return, but Hulkenberg, speaking to media including RacingNews365, remains skeptical: "Time will tell. At the moment it feels and seems quite far from that happening."
• Meanwhile, Argentina has emerged as a potential new host, boosted by Franco Colapinto's grid presence. Hulkenberg noted: "Argentina and Franco have a big impact... If F1 has a driver of that nation, that's obviously a big connection point."
• He added that any country hosting F1 reaps major rewards: "It brings a lot of attention to the country for that weekend."

What's next:

Hulkenberg's cautious outlook suggests fans shouldn't expect a German GP announcement anytime soon. F1's expansion into fresh markets remains a priority, and with no concrete plans for Hockenheim or the Nürburgring to return, the country's place on the calendar looks uncertain for the foreseeable future.