Despite some concerns, Formula 1 certainly made a successful return to Austria last weekend. It was a wonderful event with close racing, high speeds and an organic atmosphere that gave a flavour of what a European Formula 1 round should be like. But, while the hills around Spielberg are enjoying the buzz of racing’s top formula once more, its neighbouring Germany is struggling to contend with other nations all eager to add their name to the limited race calendar.
It’s a sad state of affairs that two of the sport’s most distinguished venues, the Nurburgring and Hockenheimring, are having to fight for their international status, but it’s a significant gauge to measure how monopolised Formula 1 has become.
A Rich Motorsport Heritage
Germany and motorsport go hand in hand. The first ever modern automobile was made in Manheim, a root which has since spawned a rich story that is characterised by iconic German terms like ‘Blitzen Benz’ and ‘Silver Arrows’. Mercedes and Auto Union’s fabled successes at the daunting Nurburgring characterised a change in the way racing cars were built. Some of the greatest races in history have been held through the Eifel Mountains and in the Rhine Valley: essentially it’s a land that lives and breathes motorsport.
Money Favours Tradition
But, the future of German Formula 1 is uncertain. Bernie Ecclestone has claimed that Hockenheim is ‘Not able to meet our [the FIA’s] requirements.’ (DPA), meaning the Nurburgring is set to host the German Grand Prix annually, as opposed to its current deal that sees it alternate with Hockenheim each year. Both circuits have been through recent economic hardship, and although the Nurburgring has new owners in the Capricorn Group, it seems as though Ecclestone is more interested in building grands prix in lands where the economic gains are greater, i.e. in Azerbaijan, New Jersey and, for a time, India.
This effect of pouring money into profitable events is obviously going to damage the future of traditional European venues, with the vulnerable tracks like Hockenheim and the Nurburgring possibly being squeezed out of the calendar altogether. Spielberg also met a similar fate in 2003: the Austrian Grand Prix venue went into a slow decline as Asian circuits like Shanghai and Sakhir came to prominence. Spielberg’s revival is largely down to the corporate power of Red Bull, rather than the economic and race appeal of an Austrian round. German motorsport is facing an agonisingly similar situation.
German Formula 1 Future Under Threat
Of the two main German venues, Hockenheim is the most under threat. Ecclestone has reportedly been negotiating privately with Capricorn (which has understandably enraged Hockenheim) to re-instate their track as the sole venue for the German Grand Prix. But, the talks seem half hearted.
Nurburgring may Not Fit Modern F1
The new Nurburgring isn’t a particularly enthralling track to watch racing on (despite its challenge for drivers), so with the current fixation of making F1 more exciting there isn’t going to be much appeal in a circuit with few overtaking spots: overtaking is now encouraged as an artificial art. So, it’s hard to envisage the Nurburgring holding on to its position on the European leg of the calendar in the next five years, especially with so many tracks waiting in the doldrums for their shot at a weekend of high publicity.
The sad reality is that many current European venues, like Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, aren’t prepared to pay the exponential prices that richer countries will immediately throw at the FIA. In March the Nurburgring was in a complete crisis, as it searched for a suitable owner. At the time Bernie Ecclestone said that there was no future for the German Grand Prix. Now, he seems more optimistic, although the circuit has agreed to give up some revenues (a clause Spa also adheres to), which is undoubtedly going to suit Ecclestone nicely.
Obviously, the sport is now a hugely international brand. It’s motorsport’s big commercial championship that all other series filter down from, in the eyes of the media. So, it’s understandable that flashy events like the proposed Grand Prix in New Jersey are taken seriously. But, races like the new addition in Russia this year are not as justifiable. Why not take the series away from unenthusiastic (and sometimes unethical) countries and plant it back where it has thrived since its infancy? Nowadays, it’s a monetised sport. So, the tradition will inevitably suffer.
German Racing Still Thrives
Does Germany need Formula 1, though? The DTM series is considered one of the finest touring car championships in the world, with technology and manufacturers that could rival F1. Its GT scene is also becoming more popular: the Nurburgring 24 Hours is developing rapidly and the ADAC series still brings in spectator interest. This all suggests that Germany doesn’t really need F1. Yet, Mercedes is F1’s biggest engine manufacturer at the moment. Taking Germany out of the championship would be like taking Brazil out of this year’s World Cup.
There’s still a big enough car market for Germany to be financially viable, although it does seem that Ecclestone and co are somewhat blinded by the attraction of countries willing to pay more for a race. Judging by the current situation, Germany’s F1 future is facing an uphill battle.
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