What happened to the Hochenheimring?

The Hochenheimring played host to the German Grand Prix from 1977 up until 2006, excluding 1985 when F1 raced at the Nürburgring. F1 last raced at the track in 2019, since then half the track has disappeared over the years. What happened to the Hockenheim ring and will F1 race there again?

 

Located in Baden-Wurttemberg, during its reign as the German Grand Prix, F1 raced at a second German track, the Nürburgring, entered under the title of the ‘European Grand Prix’ from 1995-2007, a dangerous track that put the drivers to the limit. The track was remodelled in 2002 due to driver safety concerns, a majority of the original track layout is not covered in forestry. The only remaining parts of the original track being the stadium section, start-finish strategy, and a small portion of the first straight. The remaining 4.2 miles of the original circuit is not covered in trees and replaced by a new infield circuit.

 

The Hockenheim ring first played host to the German Grand Prix in 1970 before its 30-year stint in Formula One. Two years prior however, F1 world champion, Jim Clark, was killed in an accident at the track. Clark was competing in a Formula Two, at the age of 32, when his Lotus 48 skidded off track and into the woodland area at a frightening speed of 170mph. Clark passed not after the incident with severe injuries to his neck and skull.

 

The last driver to win at the track was Verstappen in 2019, Hamilton winning at the track 3 times for Mercedes, the last and only German team to win at the Hockenheimring, in 2018, 2016 and 2008. The Hockenheimring has also seen three German drivers take victory including, Rosberg in 2014, Michael Schumacher in 2006, 2004, 2002 and 1995, as well as Ralf Schumacher in 2001.

Image: motorsport.com

 

Will F1 race at the Hockenheimring again?

 

There is no promise or signs of a return in the near future with F1’s current overstuffed calendar and plans for new tracks. While the Hockenheimring has provided some memorable moments in the sport, the cost of hosting an F1 race continues to increase making it harder for tracks to sustain their position on the calendar. This rising cost led to the track falling of the F1 rota.