Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement. Istanbul Park, the venue that last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the championship, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater racing series.
The reinstatement of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as the two returning venues on next season’s roster. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after this year’s edition, and the historic circuits at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a rotating, biennial format rather than appearing every season. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move: “We are thrilled to be back in the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to fans in Turkey and across the globe on one of the sport’s most demanding and exhilarating tracks.” He highlighted Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting that the city blends deep‑rooted heritage with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business, and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its daunting Turn 8 – a sweeping series of high‑speed left‑hand corners that function as a single, fluid element.
The corner subjects drivers to extreme lateral G‑forces, testing both their skill and physical endurance, especially the strength of their necks. During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated, winning three consecutive races from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also produced one of the most memorable incidents in recent memory when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided in 2010, sparking intense debate about team orders and driver rivalry.
After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That year, Lewis Hamilton captured a dramatic, rain‑soaked victory that secured his seventh world title, tying the all‑time record.
The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again heavily affected by wet conditions, and Valtteri Bottas emerged as the winner, marking his most recent triumph in the sport. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “Turkey’s re‑entry into the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation’s organisational capabilities, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would once more deliver flawless event management, as it has done in previous editions. With Turkey’s return, a total of 24 circuits now have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. The past three F1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028.
There have been ongoing discussions about expanding the championship’s geographic footprint. Potential new locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and an African venue have been floated, though neither has secured a place on the calendar yet. Africa’s last Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993, and despite periodic interest, a revival has not materialised.
In 2024, Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials about the possibility of hosting a race in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton, a seven‑time world champion, recently reiterated his personal ambition to see a Grand Prix on African soil before he retires.
He told the media that he has been lobbying F1 leadership for years, having visited ten African nations and advocating for a race on the continent. “I don’t want to leave the sport without a Grand Prix in Africa,” he said. “I’m chasing it – when will it happen? They’re setting dates, and I feel the clock is ticking, so I’ll keep racing until we get one, especially because I have African heritage.” Hamilton added that he believes every continent should host a race and cited his favourite African experiences: “Kenya was amazing, though I don’t think a Grand Prix will be there.
Rwanda was spectacular – I could see myself living there. South Africa is stunning as well.
Those are the places I think would make great venues.” The upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which also serves as the second Sprint weekend of the year. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream Sky Sports via the NOW platform without a long‑term contract, canceling at any time. In summary, Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the nation.
Istanbul Park’s challenging layout, rich history, and strategic location promise to add excitement and diversity to the championship’s future. As the series continues to explore new markets and revisit classic venues, fans can look forward to a dynamic and globally inclusive racing calendar in the years ahead.