Nico Hulkenberg BLAMES climate change for F1 popularity DECLINE

Nico Hulkenberg, Haas, Abu Dhabi Test, 2022 — Photo: © LAT Images

Formula 1

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Hulkenberg BLAMES climate change for F1 popularity DECLINE

Hulkenberg believes there is a clear reason for what he sees as a decline in F1's popularity

Joe Ellis

Friday 11 August 2023 11:57

Nico Hulkenberg believes that Formula 1 is no longer as popular in his home country of Germany due to the impact of climate change.

The European giant used to be a hotbed for F1 with two grand prix-level venues in the Nurburgring and Hockenheim.

But financial difficulties have seen both venues drop off the calendar and the lack of a top German driver such as Michael Schumacher or Sebastian Vettel is not helping.

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Hulkenberg, though, thinks the environmental impact of the sport is turning many Germans away from the sport.

Hulkenberg: Sport tails off naturally

F1 races at Hockenheim always provide exceptional action but there hasn't been a race at the track since COVID-19

“It’s a fact that F1 is not so popular, so booming right now,” he said (via PlanetF1). “It definitely had times where it was much more, I think present in Germany, much more well perceived. So, it’s a true observation.

“I think it’s a few things. Obviously Germany was always spoiled in racing with Michael [Schumacher], then with Sebastian [Vettel], [Nico] Rosberg, Mercedes.

“We’ve always had a very strong presence in Formula 1, or let’s say, at least the last 30 years or so. And naturally, I think sometimes the sport is more popular and higher demand. And then naturally, probably it tails off sometimes.

“But then also, I think in Germany, the perception of, in general, the car, automotive industry, it’s responsible for climate change, it’s not sustainable. And I think that rubs off on to motorsport.

“And that’s why I think the perception and what politics tell the people is that this is bad and somehow has a negative impact on racing in Formula 1 too.”

The Nurburgring hosted the last F1 race on German soil, named the Eifel GP during the COVID-hit 2020 season.