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A tight title race, like that between Lewis Hamilton (left) and Max Verstappen, does not guarantee full grandstands
Photo:
Andy Hone / imago images / Motorsport Images
Anyone watching the documentary about Michael Schumacher these days will be catapulted back to a time when Formula 1 was a mass phenomenon in Germany.
Full grandstands, excellent ratings on TV, at times there were seven German drivers in the starting field of the world's most important motorsport series.
There is not much left of it now.
With Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher there are still two drivers from Germany, Mercedes was the dominant racing team for years.
And yet Formula 1 is struggling to remain suitable for the masses in the country of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
It is now certain that there will be no race in Germany in the coming season either.
The confirmed Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali of »Sport-Bild«, although with the Hockenheimring and the Nürburgring two race tracks are available, which have a long tradition in Formula 1.
"I have the feeling that the organizers don't really dare to hold a Grand Prix," said Domenicali.
Hockenheimring wants to continue negotiating
When asked by SPIEGEL, those responsible at the Hockenheimring confirmed that they had negotiated with Formula 1 owners Liberty Media and Domenicali about hosting a race for 2022.
However, no agreement could be reached, but "the mutual interest in a renewed partnership beyond 2022" is said to have been expressed, as stated in the management's statement.
As in previous years, the major point of contention is the financial regulation of a promoter contract.
In the previous season, Formula 1 was a guest at the Nürburgring, but only because the corona pandemic had made many races impossible and replacement hosts were financially accommodated.
The last regular German Grand Prix took place at the Hockenheimring in 2019.
Domenicali does not want to accept this argument, he does not consider the financial risk for German organizers to be too great.
In Formula 1, racetracks have to pay an entry fee that is not uniform, but according to information from SPIEGEL, amounts to at least a double-digit million amount.
These expenses have to be refinanced through ticket sales and marketing measures.
The Hockenheimring does not want to provide any information about the amount of the fee.
Zandvoort sold out thanks to Verstappen
For the racetrack in Baden-Württemberg, on which Michael Schumacher was able to win three times in his career, something else is in the foreground according to his own statements. Risk sharing was discussed with Liberty Media, although it was not about the 2022 season. Translated, this means that if there are not enough spectators, Formula 1 should cover the costs.
Just why should she do that? Another 23 races are planned for the coming season, according to Domenicali, "about a third" will take place in Europe. Formula 1 still finds enough locations where high entry fees can be paid effortlessly, it is not for nothing that Saudi Arabia is new to the calendar this season - and there are rumors of a race in Qatar. High entry fees are no hurdle in these states. For the Hockenheimring, however, the profitability of a race is in the foreground.
"Just look at Holland, Zandvoort is sold out for the next three years," replied Domenicali, adding that the race planned for the coming season in Miami will also sell out quickly.
In the Netherlands, however, World Cup leader Max Verstappen triggered an euphoria that is comparable to the Schumacher Effect in Germany in the 1990s.
Monza loses millions
It looks different in Monza.
The Italian Grand Prix took place there last weekend, in the home of Ferrari, which is still the most important racing team in Formula 1. However, only 46,000 fans came to the racetrack over the three days, and Monza circuit director Guiseppe Redaelli made a loss known in the amount of 15 million euros.
For the time being, one can only speculate about the reasons.
Ferrari's crisis could be a factor.
The tickets cost at least 100 euros.
And the spectators had to show a »green pass« in which a vaccination, a negative test or proof of recovery had to be noted.
In Europe it no longer seems to be a sure-fire success to organize self-sustaining Formula 1 races.
