F1 CEO opens door to iconic venue return but issues warning: 'Time is running out'

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has opened the door to a return to the Nurburgring but warned that "time is running out" to make something happen.

The Nurburgring last featured on the F1 calendar during the COVID-hit 2020 season, which also marked the most recent time Germany hosted the pinnacle of motorsport.

For much of F1's history, Germany has played an integral role. However, interest has declined rapidly, particularly since Michael Schumacher’s retirement.

Despite that, Germany has seen significant success in F1 since the seven-time world champion stepped away at the end of 2012.

Sebastian Vettel secured four consecutive world titles from 2010 to 2013, while Nico Rosberg claimed the drivers’ championship for Mercedes in 2016.

Mercedes, the German manufacturer, also won eight consecutive constructors’ titles from 2014 to 2021. Yet, public interest in the sport has failed to rebound in the nation.

Stake F1’s Nico Hulkenberg is currently the sole German driver on the grid, with Domenicali believing the European nation deserves a place on the calendar.

"Money is of secondary importance for now," Domenicali told SPORT BILD. "The first thing is to know who to talk to at all. We are ready for talks.

"Germany is Germany and belongs to Formula 1. So if someone is seriously interested, they will find a way to contact me." 

In F1’s history, 64 German Grands Prix have taken place, while several European Grands Prix have also been held on German soil.

Despite Domenicali’s positive words, time is not on the Nürburgring’s side, due to immense global interest in hosting F1 races.

"Time is running out," declared Domenicali. "There is a long waiting list of companies and even countries, with their prime ministers and kings, who absolutely want a race."