Hockenheim: There will not be a German Grand Prix in 2020

German GP

Hockenheim: There will not be a German Grand Prix in 2020

Will you miss it?

Matthew Scott

Thursday 25 July 2019 08:20 Updated: 10:08

The Hockenheimring's management are braced for the German Grand Prix to fall off the 2020 Formula 1 calendar as the circuit continues to fight financial concerns.

Hockenheim is one of three venues at risk of dropping off next year's schedule, along with Barcelona and Mexico City, as Liberty Media look to balance the introduction of races in Vietnam and Zandvoort.

Recent reports have suggested that Mexico could be saved, meaning Hockenheim and the Circuit de Catalunya will make way.

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Hockenheim had also been expected to drop off this season's calendar, but it was rescued at the last minute by a title sponsorship deal with Mercedes, although it appears that will not be repeated for another year.

Circuit chief Georg Seiler is quoted by Speedweek: "We are constantly negotiating with the Formula 1 leadership, but from today's perspective, there will not be a German Grand Prix in 2020.

"In 2018 we were at the same point, as no one would have thought that there would be a race the following year."

Financial concerns have bitten many circuits in recent years. Silverstone penned a new five-year deal with F1 before the British GP last time out. It was estimated that F1 has cut £10million off Silverstone's hosting fee in order to find an agreement, but Hockenheim's chiefs are seemingly struggling to find a deal of their own.

Marketing director Jorn Teske added: "Of course, we are fully committed to a Formula 1 future at the Hockenheimring.

"But we are also realists. We have always said - Formula 1, with pleasure, but not at any price.

"We have to have the chance to break even. We are a race that does not benefit from state funds, such as races in Asia or the Middle East."