Formula 1 is set to welcome Turkey back to its calendar from 2027, with a new five-year agreement in place. Istanbul Park, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will once again feature on the schedule. The circuit joins Portugal's Portimao as a returning track, while the Dutch Grand Prix will not be held after this season, and Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps will alternate as biannual races.
According to F1 president Stefano Domenicali, "The return to Istanbul represents a thrilling opportunity for fans worldwide to experience the vibrant city and its challenging circuit. Istanbul, a cultural melting pot between Europe and Asia, offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and modernity, making it an ideal location for Formula 1. The track, known for its demanding Turn 8, has a rich history in F1, with notable moments including Felipe Massa's three consecutive wins from 2006 to 2008 and the infamous collision between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in 2010. After falling off the calendar in 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020, with Lewis Hamilton securing a record-equalling seventh world title in a chaotic, rain-affected race.
The 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was also impacted by wet weather, with Valtteri Bottas claiming victory. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his enthusiasm for the return, stating, "Turkey's inclusion in the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence in our country's capabilities, and we will deliver a flawless organisation as we have in the past." With Turkey's return, 24 tracks now have contracts for 2027, and the earliest any new events could join the calendar is 2028.
Potential new destinations, such as Thailand's Bangkok and a race in Africa, have been discussed but are yet to materialize. Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to continue in Formula 1 until a Grand Prix is held in Africa, having visited 10 countries on the continent and pushing for a round in Africa for at least seven years. Hamilton stated, "I don't want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix in Africa, so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens.
There's one on every other continent, why not Africa?" The Ferrari driver highlighted his fondness for Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, suggesting these countries as potential hosts for a future Grand Prix. Formula 1 returns on May 1-3 with the Miami Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1.