The Turkish Grand Prix is set to make a comeback in the Formula 1 calendar, starting from 2027, as part of a new five-year agreement. Istanbul Park, which last hosted the event in 2020 and 2021, will once again welcome F1 racing. This development follows the track's initial inclusion in the F1 calendar in 2005, where it gained recognition for its challenging layout, particularly the infamous Turn 8.
The return of Turkey to the F1 schedule is a significant move, marking a cultural intersection between Europe and Asia, and offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The news comes alongside other changes in the F1 calendar, including the rotation of certain races and the potential for new destinations to be added in the future.
F1 president Stefano Domenicali expressed his delight at the return, highlighting the city's vibrant atmosphere and the circuit's excitement. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed the move, assuring a flawless organization of the event. With 24 tracks now secured for the 2027 season, attention turns to potential new additions, including destinations in Africa, a continent last hosting a Grand Prix in 1993.
Lewis Hamilton, among others, has been a vocal advocate for an African Grand Prix, expressing his desire to see the sport expand to the continent before he retires.