Stuttgart - A German state leader on Monday cancelled an upcoming meeting with Bernie Ecclestone over the future of the German Grand Prix in the wake of controversial remarks made by the Formula One boss.

Guenther Oettinger, prime minister of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, was due to discuss future races on the financially troubled Hockenheimring with Ecclestone on Sunday at the next race in Germany at Nuerburgring.

But state government spokesman Christoph Dahl told the German Press Agency dpa that Oettinger cancelled the meeting after learning on the weekend about remarks from Ecclestone in which he praised Adolf Hitler for his ability "to get things done."

The statements, in an interview with Friday's edition of British daily The Times, have also led to a furore among Jewish groups. (dpa)