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 previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after a pandemic‑induced reshuffle, will now re‑enter the championship alongside Portugal’s Portimão, which is also returning for the upcoming season.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix is set to be omitted after the current year, while the historic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating, “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkey and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.” He highlighted Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting the city’s blend of deep‑rooted history, tradition, and a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business, and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became renowned for its demanding Turn 8 – a fast, sweeping left‑hand sequence that is treated as a single corner and subjects drivers to intense lateral G‑forces, testing both skill and physical endurance, especially the neck muscles. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, securing three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, underscoring the track’s reputation for producing high‑stakes moments. After being dropped after the 2011 season, Istanbul Park made a brief return in 2020 as part of a revised calendar.
That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in a rain‑soaked event that clinched his record‑equalling seventh world title. The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather spectacle, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag, marking his most recent Formula 1 victory.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, describing the nation’s re‑entry as a testament to Turkey’s strong organisational capabilities, modern sporting and healthcare infrastructure, and the famed hospitality of its people. He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless event management, echoing the successful hosting of previous races. With Turkey’s inclusion, the 2027 calendar will feature 24 contracted circuits, matching the size of the last three seasons, which each comprised 24 rounds. Consequently, any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear before 2028.
Nonetheless, discussions continue about potential expansions, with Bangkok in Thailand and an African Grand Prix frequently mentioned as future possibilities. Africa’s last Formula 1 outing was at Kyalami, South Africa, in 1993, and although there have been talks about reviving the race, no concrete plans have materialised yet. Stefano Domenicali has also engaged with Rwandan officials in 2024 about a potential Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton, a five‑time champion, has voiced a personal commitment to seeing a race on African soil before he retires.
He told reporters that he has been lobbying F1 leadership for years, having visited ten African nations and feeling a strong connection to the continent. "I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there, so I’m chasing them," he said, adding that he would continue racing until such an event becomes a reality.
Hamilton highlighted his favorite African experiences, mentioning Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as locations he would love to see host a Grand Prix. The renewed Turkish Grand Prix will not only revive a beloved circuit but also reinforce Formula 1’s broader strategy of balancing heritage tracks with emerging markets. Istanbul’s blend of technical challenges, passionate fan base, and strategic geographic location makes it an ideal candidate to attract global audiences and sponsors. Moreover, the five‑year deal provides stability for teams and organizers, allowing for long‑term planning of logistics, infrastructure upgrades, and fan engagement initiatives.
Fans can look forward to the 2027 season kicking off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. The race weekend will be available for streaming via NOW, with flexible subscription options. As the calendar solidifies, the return of Turkey promises to add another thrilling chapter to Formula 1’s ever‑evolving story, blending high‑speed competition with cultural richness and reaffirming the sport’s commitment to a truly global presence.