Mercedes-Benz becomes title sponsor of German GP

Mercedes-Benz has become the title sponsor of the German Grand Prix, which will remain on the Formula 1 calendar in 2019.

The future of the race at Hockenheim had been in doubt with its contract set to expire at the end of the current season, but following a successful and popular event this year, Liberty Media was keen to ensure its presence remained.

It has been included on the provisional 2019 calendar released on Friday at the Italian Grand Prix after a deal was struck that will see Mercedes-Benz become its new title sponsor.

F1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey said he was delighted to have retained what he described as an “iconic track”, adding deal “demonstrates how all stakeholders within Formula 1 are working together to ensure the long-term future of the sport and its fans.”

Mercedes team principal and Mercedes AMG Pertonas Motorsport head Toto Wolff stressed the German manufacturer did everything in its power to ensure its home race would remain on the calendar.

“This year’s Grand Prix in Hockenheim was a demonstration of the enthusiasm that Formula 1 generates in Germany,” Wolff explained.

“It was therefore important for us to do everything in our power to ensure that our home race will take place again next year. Together with Formula 1 and all the relevant stakeholders, we have found a way to make it happen.

“We are delighted that Mercedes-Benz will also be the title sponsor of the German Grand Prix next year.”

Hockenheim CEO Georg Sailer praised Mercedes’ backing and said it was key to finalising a new agreement.

“We are very delighted that after this year’s impressive Formula 1 race at the Hockenheim-Ring, a German Grand Prix has also been secured for 2019,” he said.

“The intensive, direct contractual discussions between Formula 1 and us in recent weeks have always been trusting, constructive and solution-oriented - the agreement reached is proof of this.

“We would also like to thank our long-standing partner Mercedes Benz in particular for its commitment as title sponsor which made the agreement possible in the first place.”