MUNICH - With Sebastian Vettel's future in the sport undecided
after leaving Ferrari at the end of the year, former driver Timo
Glock fears that Germany could be without a Formula One driver for
the first time in three decades.
"It would be a tragedy for Formula One fans in Germany if there was
no German driver at all," Glock told Thursday's edition of the
Rheinische Post paper.
"If we had no German it would also be difficult for TV because there
would be no (local) star to report about."
Germany has had a driver in the elite series every year since 1991,
with even seven Germans competing in 2010, including Glock.
Germans won 12 world titles in the period, a record seven from
Michael Schumacher, four from Vettel and one from Nico Rosberg.
Germany also staged two races at times on the Nuerburgring and
Hockenheim but is now longer a regular stop on the calendar.
With Nico Hulkenberg getting no contract for 2020, Vettel is the only
German left in the current line-up for the season which is yet to
start because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ferrari said Tuesday that Vettel's contract would not be renewed
beyond the season, and Vettel left it open whether he would continue
racing in the elite series or possibly retire.