Not all countries have experienced the same level of growth in popularity as F1, which has been fueled by its presence on social media and the Netflix: Drive to Survive series.
F1’s popularity in Germany has come to a halt. The country has not held an F1 race since the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in 2020, and its renowned world champion racers – Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Nico Rosberg – are no longer participating.
The situation has also not been improved by the shift from free-to-air television to Pay TV, which has limited the number of potential viewers.
Haas driver Hulkenberg, who is Germany’s only F1 driver after Vettel retired at the end of last year, thinks there are a host of factors behind why grand prix racing is struggling in Germany to maintain audiences – which include environmental concerns.
“I cannot reword”
Sometimes, the popularity and demand for a sport may fluctuate, leading to periods of higher and lower interest.
However, I believe that in Germany, there is a widespread belief that the automotive industry, including the car sector, is accountable for climate change and lacks sustainability. This perception also influences the perception of motorsport.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB15, leads Nico Hulkenberg, Renault F1 Team R.S. 19, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG W10, Alexander Albon, Toro Rosso STR14, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W10, and Carlos Sainz Jr., McLaren MCL34
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“That’s why I think the perception and what politicians tell the people is that this is bad, and somehow that has a negative impact on racing in F1 too.”
Despite German interest not being super high right now, the imminent arrival of Audi’s works team in 2026 could serve to stir up excitement.
In addition, Liberty Media, the owners of F1, have been contemplating strategies to reintroduce the German GP to the schedule. This may involve including the event in a rotation system with other venues.
In 2022, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his optimism for the possibility of a German GP comeback, stating, “We are truly hopeful that Germany can rejoin the competition.”
“I cannot reword”
“Hopefully in the near future, they may have a new development to discuss with us.”
Hulkenberg mentioned that having a German GP would not significantly affect his career, and he does not expect it to occur in the near future.
He expressed no opposition to it, but he believed it would have no impact on him personally. He did not anticipate it occurring, as he lacked insider knowledge and speculated that certain individuals may be attempting to exert influence.
I am unable to reword.
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