Stefano Domenicali explains German Grand Prix issue

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali has given some insight into why the cancelled 2022 Russian Grand Prix was not replaced by a race in Germany.

The last time an F1 GP was held in Germany was the 2020 race at Nürburgring, due to Covid-19, and called the Eifel GP.
But since then, the country has been dropped from the F1 calendar, due to what many feel is the fact that the sport would much rather focus on the higher hosting fees made available by races in the Middle East or other similar locations.
Domenicali has said in the past that he would love to see a German race again but explains in a Bild interview why it is not happening for now.
"If I don't make a call myself, I see and hear little from Germany. They talk, talk, talk, but in the end, you need facts," Domenicali said.
"It's a mystery to me how you can't build a business around a Grand Prix these days. But: If they get it right, we will have a race in Germany again."
Finances appear to be a big problem in hosting races in Germany as in the case of the 2019 race at Hockenheimring, which nearly did not happen until Mercedes stepped in to support the event financially.
Domenicali added that: "The Grand Prix has to be worthwhile for all sides. We can't cover all the costs."
Many F1 fans got annoyed when F1 added Saudi Arabia and Qatar to the race calendar in 2021, claiming it was done for money rather than keeping the racing at traditional popular circuits like in Germany at Hockenheimring.
Domenicali defends himself against the claims, and stated: "I'm not selling the soul of Formula 1. I believe that this is the normal change.
"Money is important everywhere, also for us. But it's not the only thing we look at. The whole package has to be right. If we only looked at the bank account, the race calendar would definitely look different."

When asked about if the Russian GP would be returning anytime soon, having been dropped from the F1 calendar because of the invasion of Ukraine, Domenicali said: "I always say never say never, but in this case, I can promise: We will not have any more negotiations with them. There will be no more racing there."

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