Bratches frustrated by loss of German Grand Prix

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Formula 1's commercial boss Sean Bratches lamented the loss of the German Grand Prix for 2019 after the event's promoters failed to reach an agreement with Liberty Media.

The writing was on the wall earlier this week when Hockenheim boss Georg Seiler alluded to the botched negotiations, and Bratches confirmed the bad news.

"Unfortunately, we could not agree with any race track in Germany," he said in Austria.

"It's frustrating that we could not reach a solution for a country with such a huge racing tradition, with the reigning constructor world champion and with a four-time champion, and that apparently nobody was willing to support the race tracks and take away the financial risk," Bratches added.

German GP and Hockenheim to fall off the calendar in 2019

The Formula One Group executive insisted that lack of interest from German fans was not the reason for scrapping a race that could reappear on the calendar at some point in the future.

"The interest in Germany is great," said the American.

"We know that from our own sources and you can see it in the ratings as well. For the next few years, of course we will keep working on a solution," he said.

Present in Austria this weekend, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone also regretted Germany's inability to remain on the docket.

"The conditions are not easy for the circuits in Germany," Mr. E told Auto Bild. "It was the same in my time. But we still found a solution."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.