Haas boss Steiner philosophises: 'This country should have its own GP'

F1 News

steiner hopes grand prix germany
22 August 2023 at 15:38
Last update 22 August 2023 at 18:30
6
  • Ludo van Denderen

Formula 1 is travelling around the world this season. The next stop will be Zandvoort, at a circuit that is far from certain to continue hosting F1 after 2025. Plenty of other locations would like to host F1, with the current popularity of motorsport's most important series class. If Guenther Steiner were in charge, there is one location he would love to add to the list of F1 venues.

"With the popularity of Formula 1 right now, I think we could race everywhere and sell out the venue," Steiner probably rightly states. "Obviously, there are contracts in place and FOM is managing this, but I think a race in Germany would be appropriate in my opinion. It’s a big ‘car’ country, there’s a German driver and there’s a lot of history within Formula 1."

'Germany motorsport country in decline'

Yet the times of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel are over. The sport no longer has comparable idols in Germany, which has reduced the focus on F1. "At the moment, it’s the only market that is a bit in decline, everywhere else is growing, so of course a race would help, and it would give millions of fans in Germany a chance to see a race in their home country."

With Nico Hulkenberg, Haas has the only German on the F1 grid. The US team's other driver is a Dane. That country does not have its own Grand Prix either. "Denmark’s also got a lot of history in Formula 1, now having Kevin here is what they want and there was a plan to have a race in Copenhagen which would’ve been fantastic. It’s a fantastic city and I think they would’ve been ready, but I think the politicians couldn’t agree, so therefore it was decided not to have it for now but hopefully, that idea comes back."