Jul.9 (GMM) Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner says Germany will struggle to return to the Formula 1 calendar without stronger backing from both politicians and industry.
Germany has not hosted a world championship grand prix since the Nurburgring staged the pandemic-affected 2020 Eifel GP.
“The industry and politics would have to be fully behind it,” Steiner told Bild.
“A Grand Prix costs a lot of money. But if it’s organised professionally, it can also be profitable.”
Steiner, now co-owner and CEO of the Tech3 MotoGP team, believes Germany currently lacks a driving force to revive its Formula 1 ambitions.
“You need enthusiastic people who really drive the project forward,” he said.
“At the moment, however, I don’t see anyone who wants to take on that responsibility.”
The 61-year-old believes support from Germany’s major manufacturers would also be essential.
“The project would need political support, as would the German automotive industry,” Steiner said.
“For companies like Mercedes or Audi, such sums would certainly be manageable.”
He added that public debate around motorsport has become another obstacle.
“The real problem is that many people immediately fear discussions about motorsport, the environment, or other topics.
“There’s no one who simply says: ‘We’re doing this now.'”
Steiner was speaking ahead of this weekend’s German MotoGP round at the Sachsenring.