Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement that will see Istanbul Park back in the limelight. The circuit, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and again in 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the calendar, will re‑enter the roster alongside Portugal’s Portimão, which also returns for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after this year, while the classic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a bi‑annual rotation, each hosting a race every other year. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm about the move: “We are thrilled to be back in the dynamic and historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to our Turkish supporters and fans worldwide on one of the sport’s most demanding 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 progressive outlook on sport, commerce, and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its daunting Turn 8 – a rapid succession of left‑hand corners that are technically treated as a single element. The high‑speed sweep subjects drivers to intense lateral g‑forces, making it a true test of neck strength and stamina.
Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also produced a memorable clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, sparking a dramatic race. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park made a surprise return in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race was marked by chaotic, rain‑soaked conditions, and it was the event where Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world championship, matching Michael Schumacher’s record.
The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather spectacle, with Valtteri Bottas taking his most recent F1 victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the announcement, 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 deliver flawless event management, as it had in previous editions.
With Turkey’s return, a total of 24 circuits will have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars, including the original schedule for this year, featured 24 rounds, meaning that any additional venues are unlikely to appear before 2028. Nonetheless, discussions continue about expanding the sport’s global footprint. Potential new locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and a yet‑to‑be‑determined African venue have been floated, though neither has secured a place on the calendar yet.
Africa’s last Grand Prix was held in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa. Recent attempts to revive an African round have not materialised, despite ongoing talks. In 2024, Domenicali met with Rwandan officials to explore the possibility of staging a race in Kigali.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who has expressed a personal desire to see the sport return to the continent, said he intends to keep racing until an African Grand Prix becomes a reality. He explained, “I don’t want to retire without having a Grand Prix in Africa. I’ve been pushing the leadership for years, visiting ten different countries on the continent. It would be amazing for me, especially because I have African heritage.” Hamilton added that while many continents already host a race, Africa remains the outlier.
He praised several African locations he has visited, noting Kenya’s appeal, Rwanda’s spectacular scenery, and South Africa’s stunning landscapes as prime candidates for future events. The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which also serves as the second Sprint weekend of the year.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the network offers streaming through NOW with a flexible, no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Overall, Turkey’s reinstatement marks a significant step in Formula 1’s ongoing strategy to blend historic circuits with emerging markets, ensuring the sport remains globally relevant while delivering thrilling competition on some of the most challenging tracks in the world.