German Grand Prix: Last Race was 2019 – Future Uncertain

The German Grand Prix is a classic race on the Formula 1 calendar, having been held every year of the World Championship except one since 1926. The Hockenheimring circuit has been the venue since 1970, providing fans with a superb layout for high speed action combined with technical sections. Unfortunately, the German Grand Prix disappeared from the Formula One calendar following the 2019 race. No new deal has since been made with Hockenheim circuit so its future remains in doubt.

History of the German Grand Prix

The German Grand Prix was an official event in 1929, and was preceded by a national race that would begin in 1926 and the Kaiserpreis of 1907, but was a year late to the Formula 1 championship, joining only in 1951 because Germany was not allowed to participate in international events after World War II.

The country did make up for it by regularly staging the German Grand Prix at Nürburgring and Hockenheimring, through the years, and even hosting the European Grand Prix at Nürburgring. That is, until 2007, when only the European Grand Prix was held, after which it was declared that Germany would only host one GP each year.

Before 2002 the Hockenheim was longer than it is today with roads cutting through the forests of the Rhine valley which were up to 8km in length. The circuit included four lengthy straights which allowed for some crazy driving. Chicanes had to be added on two occasions, when drivers Jim Clark and Patrick Depailler were killed in 1968 and 1980 respectively.

The circuit was deemed too dangerous and at the turn of the century, F1 officials demanded to have the track shortened. In spite of the trimming of some fast sections and the adding of more tight technical turns the Hockenheim has retained long straights and varied corners which challenge the F1 drivers.

Memorable F1 moments at Hockenheim include Prost and Senna’s clashes in the 1980s, Mansell’s incredible recovery in 1995, Schumacher’s wet weather masterclass in 2001, and Alonso’s dramatic pass on Schumacher in 2005.

Hockenheimring Circuit

At 4.574km, Hockenheimring strikes a perfect balance between fast sections and twisty technical parts. After snaking through the opening turns, the cars accelerate down to the hairpin at the Ostkurve. Exiting turn 6, speeds top 320kph down the long Forest Straight into the Hohekurve bend.

The technical stadium section follows, with cars braking hard for the hairpin and chicane complex. Next is the twisting Parabolika corner before accelerating down to the Sachskurve. This sweeping turn then leads onto the pit straight where F1 cars can reach over 330kph at race pace.

The lap ends with the tight hairpin called Spitzkehre which feeds the cars back towards the first turns. Hockenheim provides the ultimate examination for the perfect F1 car.

Winners of the German Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher has a record 6 wins at the German GP but many other greats have triumphed here. Recent winners include: