New investors in Hockenheim to prepare for the return of F1?

Is Germany getting closer to a return to Formula 1, who has not welcomed the paddock since 2020? It is currently too early to answer this question but this is in any case the ambition of Emodrom Group with the Hockenheim circuit. Recently, the German investment group took over 74,99% of the shares of Hockenheimring GmbH, previously belonging to the municipality, for a check worth around 6 million euros.

To this sum, Emodrom Group will add an investment of 250 million euros on the “traditional” circuit over the next five to ten years. Without forgetting that 40 million euros have already been disbursed in recent years. “ We have been working quietly in the background on the development of the Hockenheimring for more than four years now., explains Tim Brauer, general manager of the group, in the columns of the German newspaper WELT. We now want to implement projects for the future »

It's therefore difficult not to imagine Formula 1 when we talk about the future. “ We think about itHe says. But we approach these reflections with all due caution. » While waiting to realize the dream of a return of F1, Emodrom Group plans to improve the infrastructure of the route across the Rhine. In addition to the expansion of Porsche Experience Center, the construction of a hotel and a Motorworld are also on the agenda of the new investors, aware that they must give a second life to the venue in order to make it attractive to the premier category.

« We are not going to embark on new financial madness, explains Tim Brauer. But we are also trying to find models to bring Formula 1 back to Germany »

Hermann Tilke involved in this new Hockenheim project? 

At the origin of numerous circuits that the paddock visits all year round, Hermann Tilke could also be called upon in this project to update the Hockenheim. Contacts have even already taken place between the directors of Emodrom Group and the German architect, whose expertise could be of great use in the sector.

« It would be great if we could organize a Formula 1 race there again in Germany, recognizes Hermann Tilke. But Formula 1 today requires additional criteria – and not just a reasonable circuit. Today we need at least 4000 to 5000 VIP seats instead of 2000, areas for fans, space for concerts, for tents, catering and so on.. » According to him, it would also be necessary to improve the current buildings, or even build new ones. The expansion of the pit lane building would then cost 20 million, and the construction of a brand new one no less than 50 while new stands could be installed along the entire start/finish straight. “ There would be room for that, the circuit itself is absolutely suitable for Formula 1,” reassures Hermann Tilke. As for the track, the run-off and safety zones only would require some modifications.

This dream still has a certain price: between 20 and 30 million even if certain countries like Saudi Arabia pay double, or even triple, to be part of the calendar. Hockenheim and Germany could then play the historic card so that F1 lowers the rating, bringing it closer to its European neighbors like Italy or Hungary.

A sum which could not, however, be made profitable by ticketing alone and while the route would not have the possibility of being able to count on a political “sponsor”. By that, mean financial support from the country directly. Nothing to discourage the management of the Hockenheimring. “ We have never broken off contact discussions with Formula 1, but we are approaching things slowly and seriously, procrastinates Jorn Teske, director of the route. We need to make sure we are not in deficit. This is why we are first focusing on other projects such as the new Motorworld of 30.000 to 50.000 square meters, the hotel (...) We think in terms of cycles between 20 and 25 years and not in the short term. » Everything in its time therefore. But while it has not organized a Grand Prix since that of the Eifel on the Nürburgring during the Covid-19 season in 2020, Germany can dream of Formula 1 again.

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