F1 Returns to Nürburgring During Extended Spring Hiatus
Although Formula 1’s race calendar remains paused throughout April, activity resumes this week as cars return to the track at the iconic Nürburgring for an important tyre development programme.
The sport has been on a five-week break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The unexpected gap has provided teams with valuable time to regroup after the opening three rounds of the 2026 season, the first campaign under sweeping new technical regulations.
Despite the absence of competitive action, track running continues behind the scenes. Tyre supplier Pirelli is conducting a two-day dry-tyre test on April 14 and 15 at the Nürburgring’s modern Grand Prix circuit, with Mercedes and McLaren tasked with gathering crucial data.
This marks the third tyre test organized by Pirelli during the enforced spring interval. Last month, Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls completed a dry-weather test at Suzuka International Racing Course following the Japanese Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari carried out a wet-tyre development session at its private Fiorano Circuit test facility.
The Nürburgring remains one of motorsport’s most historic venues. The current 5.148-kilometre Grand Prix layout features 17 corners, expansive run-off areas, and advanced digital monitoring systems that oversee both the Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife. While Formula 1 has not raced here since 2020, the venue continues to play a significant role in European motorsport.
The last F1 event held at the Nürburgring was the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, staged during the pandemic-affected season. That race was memorably won by Lewis Hamilton, who went on to secure his seventh world championship title that year.
Historically, the fearsome Nordschleife configuration last hosted Formula 1 at the 1976 German Grand Prix, won by James Hunt. That event is also remembered for Niki Lauda’s near-fatal accident, which ultimately led to the circuit being deemed unsuitable for modern F1 due to safety and logistical concerns. Since then, Formula 1 has only used the shorter, modern layout, appearing regularly between 2009 and 2013 before its one-off return in 2020.
While a full Grand Prix comeback remains unlikely, this week’s tyre test signals a temporary but symbolic return to one of the sport’s most storied tracks as teams continue refining their 2026 challengers.