George Russell and Oscar Piastri both say they’d like to see the Nurburgring return to F1 calendar

Photo by MATTHIAS SCHRADER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

George Russell and Oscar Piastri have thrown their support behind the idea of bringing the iconic Nurburgring circuit back to the Formula 1 schedule.

The Nurburgring has played a significant role in F1’s history, although its use has changed over the years. The sport originally raced on the challenging Nordschleife layout until Niki Lauda’s life-changing accident in 1976, after which F1 stopped using that part of the track.

More recently, races were held on the modern Grand Prix circuit, with Germany’s Grand Prix alternating between Hockenheim and the Nurburgring. Although it dropped off the calendar after 2013, it did make a brief return during the COVID-impacted 2020 season. Since then, though, it hasn’t been back.

These days, it mainly hosts testing sessions. Mercedes and McLaren have both been there this week for Pirelli tyre tests ahead of new regulations set for 2027. Drivers also visit regularly for other events – Max Verstappen was recently racing GT3 cars there.

Russell and Piastri were both at the circuit this week with their teams and said they’d love to see it back on the schedule.

George Russell and Oscar Piastri are backing a Nurburgring return to F1

The Mercedes driver, who is currently second in the standings behind Kimi Antonelli, spoke to Sky Sports during a Pirelli tyre test and mentioned how much he enjoys driving at the Nurburgring.

“I’ve really enjoyed driving this morning, I really love the Nurburgring. I’ve done a few laps of the Nordschleife as well, really, really love that.”

“It truly is a traditional old school circuit. Yeah, I’d love to be back racing here one day. And of course, we have no race in Germany at the moment, and with Mercedes it would probably be nicer to have one back on the calendar.”

Piastri was also asked about the track potentially returning to F1 and said: “Sure, I don’t mind it. It’s not my favourite track ever but it’s a really cool place in terms of how unique it is.

“There’s a lot of elevation change, obviously the history of this place is very cool as well. And again it’s a very old school track which I think as drivers we always enjoy that part of things.

“Even if the layout is different from circuit to circuit, kind of old school nature of curbs and runoffs is always more rewarding when you get things right. So it would be cool but we’ll see.”

Could F1 Make a Return to the Nurburgring?

There’s a growing sense that the Nurburgring and the German Grand Prix could find their way back onto the calendar, especially as Liberty Media explores ways to bring in new venues without expanding beyond the current 24-race limit.

Spa and Barcelona have already moved to rotation agreements, sharing calendar spots with other circuits. Meanwhile, Portimao is set for a comeback, with Portugal scheduled to rejoin the series in 2027.

There’s been speculation about Turkey making its own return, while organisers in India have also claimed they’re aiming for a spot in 2027. However, Formula 1 has reportedly poured cold water on those plans.

Fans seem particularly interested in seeing Germany return, especially now that Mercedes and Audi are both represented on the grid. It would be an easy addition given how much love there is for it.

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