George Russell calls for Nürburgring return to Formula 1 calendar
In recent days, McLaren and Mercedes have been present at the Nürburgring alongside Pirelli, carrying out tyre development work in preparation for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Despite being one of the most iconic circuits in motorsport history, the German track has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar for quite some time. Its last official appearance as the German Grand Prix dates back to 2013, while its most recent inclusion came in 2020, when it hosted the Eifel Grand Prix as a replacement event during the calendar disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
During the test sessions, reporters from Sky Sports took the opportunity to ask Oscar Piastri and George Russell — the drivers who were on track on April 14 — whether they would support a return of the Nürburgring to the Formula 1 schedule. George Russell, driving for Mercedes, responded with clear enthusiasm: “I enjoy driving here, I really love the Nürburgring. I have also had the chance to do a few laps of the Nordschleife, and I enjoyed it a lot.”
“It is a traditional, old-school circuit. I would love to race here again one day. At the moment, we do not have a race in Germany, and with Mercedes, it would be great to have a home Grand Prix to support as a team,” the British driver added, openly advocating for the circuit’s return.
Oscar Piastri less convinced but open to the idea
On the other hand, Oscar Piastri appeared slightly more reserved in his initial reaction. This may also have been influenced by a frustrating day at the track, where he spent a significant amount of time in the garage while his team worked to resolve technical issues on his car. McLaren has struggled to find consistency at the start of the season, and the test day did not go entirely smoothly for the Australian driver.
“The track is unique, and I do not mind it, but it is not my absolute favourite circuit. It is a piece of history and an old-school track, which is something we drivers appreciate,” Piastri explained.
“The somewhat vintage nature of the kerbs and the drainage makes it more fascinating and rewarding when you start pushing seriously. It would be nice, but we will see,” he concluded, ultimately showing a willingness to support George Russell’s proposal for a Nürburgring return.
The shared sentiments of Russell and Piastri highlight a growing desire among the grid to balance modern street circuits with the historic, high-stakes venues that defined the sport’s legacy. As Pirelli continues its 2027 development at the Eifel track, the conversation around bringing a permanent German fixture back to the F1 calendar remains a top priority for fans and teams alike.
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