Report: Hockenheim Seeking F1 Return After 2 Years as Sochi Exit Leaves Vacant Spot on the 2022 Calendar

The 2022 season begins tomorrow. According to the initial plans, this season should have a record-breaking total of 23 races. However, till now, there has been only speculation regarding the circuit that will replace the canceled Russian Grand Prix. Recently, a former F1 driver revealed Hockenheim can make a comeback in the F1 calendar this season.

The ongoing tension between Ukraine and Russia has had a huge impact on all the sports in the world, including Formula One. Already there have been so many changes this season because of the tension between the two countries. In addition, F1 also went on to cancel the Russian Grand Prix from the calendar.

Therefore, the F1 authorities have been looking for a track to replace the race in Russia. Recently, there are plans for the return of the German Grand Prix in the 2022 season. Formula One is planning Hockenheimring to replace the Sochi race. The last time the German track was used was back in 2019, and it was Max Verstappen who took on the top step of the podium on Sunday. Former F1 driver Christian Danner has revealed, “The initiative has been taken to get this Grand Prix back in Germany.”

Why Hockenheim is the best track for German GP in 2022?

The Hockenheimring is the most suited to host a German GP if Formula One decides to host a race in Germany. Other than Hockenheim, there is Nurburgring, but it is very unlikely for a race to be held there. And this is due to the fact that the track is owned by the Russian businessman, Viktor Kharitonin. So, Nurburgring will be sanctioned due to the ongoing situation between Ukraine and Russia.

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However, it won’t be also simple to host the Grand Prix in the Hockenheimring because of the financial issues. Therefore, Danner wants F1 to make a deal with Hockenheim, which will be similar to the one with Imola. Danner said, “At Imola, there was a huge discount and a three-year contract. That’s what we want in Germany now.”

 F1 President would play an active role in adding German GP in 2022

Germany has a rich history with the sport because many great drivers like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel came from that country. Also, the eight-time world champion constructor Mercedes is a German team. Therefore, the F1 president Stefano Domenicali is more eager to add Germany to the F1 calendar.

Domenicali even advised that Germany had a better chance to host a race. Unlike the Netherlands, which only had Max Verstappen to promote the Grand Prix last season, Germany already has an established driver like the four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. If Seb is not enough to promote the race, then they also have the young talent, Mick Schumacher, who is the son of the legendary driver Michael Schumacher.

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At the moment, the Hockenheim is only in the talks, and F1 hasn’t yet finalized the plans for a German Grand Prix. However, it would be fascinating to see a race in Germany this season as Sochi is not there on the 2022 calendar.