Ecclestone baffled by Germany’s F1 absence: ‘I don’t understand it’

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is baffled by Germany’s ongoing absence from the sport’s calendar.

Despite the country’s rich motorsport heritage and legendary circuits, no race has been held on German soil since the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring that took place during the Covid-affected 2020 season.

One a regular fixture on the F1 schedule, Germany’s absence is all the more puzzling given its historical significance. The Hockenheimring and the Nurburgring Nordschleife hosted some of the sport’s most iconic races, while Michael Schumacher’s dominance in the early 2000s only cemented the nation’s fanbase.

Unsurprisingly, Ecclestone reckons that financial and organizational factors are the most likely roadblocks.

“I often think about it and I don’t understand it,” the 94-year-old told German publication Sport.de. "It's just strange that it's not made possible.

“No one would oppose it, except maybe a few people in Germany itself. It's just a matter of money. If someone were there with the right funding, it would work."

With F1’s calendar expanding to a record 24 races per season, there is an overflow of demand from nations seeking to join Grand Prix racing’s agenda.

Thailand and South Africa are among the countries reportedly in discussions with F1, while the 2026 calendar will see a first-time race in Madrid, Spain.

Rotational events are also set to begin from 2027 to accommodate more locations, including the Belgian Grand Prix on a biannual schedule.

Domenicali: Germany Belongs in F1

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali echoed Ecclestone’s sentiments, emphasizing that the governing body is open to talks but faces pressure from a long queue of potential hosts.

“Money is secondary at the moment. First of all it is about knowing with whom we have to talk. We are ready for talks,” Domenicali told Bild last summer.

“Germany is Germany and belongs in Formula 1. So if someone has a serious interest he will find a way to contact me.

“But time is pressing. There is a long waiting list of companies and even countries with their prime ministers and kings who are desperate to have a race,” he added.

Read also:

• Domenicali warns historical F1 venues: Upgrade or risk the axe!

As promoters worldwide wave checkbooks and clout, will German heavyweights step up? Ecclestone's puzzlement and Domenicali's invitation hang in the air, teasing a potential comeback that could reignite the Fatherland's F1 fire.

For now, the checkered flag waves elsewhere – but the engine's still humming.

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