Chase Carey: "Germany is an important market for Formula 1"
F1 News
The future of the German Grand Prix is under threat. Ahead of the race this weekend, Chase Carey has admitted the country is an important market for Formula 1. Germany and Formula 1 have a rich history with the recent success of Mercedes and previous success from Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
Meanwhile, Schumacher's son Mick is progressing through the ranks after a successful 2018. He's currently competing in Formula 2 but will drive a Ferrari Formula 1 in a historic parade at the Hockenheimring this weekend. Liberty Media would like to see Schumacher junior progress into F1 for commercial reasons, but Carey admits he must pursue his own goals.
"Germany is an important market for us. Mick (Schumacher) of course has a special bond with Formula 1 as the son of Michael, but he must have the opportunity to pursue his own goals. We certainly want to give him the chance to pursue his dreams, but a certain market is never just about a driver. There are more factors involved," Carey, Formula 1's CEO explained to Bild Sport.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix, news emerged that the sport will continue to visit Silverstone until at least 2024. So far, it doesn't look like the German Grand Prix will receive the same treatment. However, Carey isn't ruling anything out as he talks about the importance of this race.
“We have not yet presented the calendar for 2020, so I am not going to make any statements about which races will be on it. As I said, Germany is extremely important to us. The birthplace of the car, loads of German fans and let's not forget that the last five titles are in the name of a German team. We will continue to work on being able to offer something to German fans. The conversations are complicated, but the enthusiasm for Germany will always remain," Carey concludes.