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 championship’s rotation. The circuit, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the calendar, will re‑enter the sport’s roster alongside Portugal’s Portimão, which is also returning for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the historic venues of Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps will shift to a bi‑annual format, alternating each year.
Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm: "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 added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending deep‑rooted history with a progressive outlook on sport, business 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 effectively function as a single, high‑speed bend. The corner 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 provided drama in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided at Turn 8, a moment still recalled by fans. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park was resurrected in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race was notable for a rain‑soaked finale in which Lewis Hamilton clinched his record‑equalling seventh world title amid chaotic conditions. The following year, wet weather again played a pivotal role, allowing Valtteri Bottas to secure his most recent F1 victory.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, "I regard Turkey's return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity; in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation. As Turkey, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past." The re‑addition of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with contracts for the 2027 season to 24. Historically, the last three F1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any further expansion would not be possible until at least 2028. Prospective new venues such as Bangkok in Thailand and a yet‑to‑be‑confirmed African location have been discussed, but neither has secured a place on the timetable yet.
Africa’s most recent Grand Prix was held at Kyalami, South Africa, in 1993. Although there have been periodic attempts to bring a race back to the continent, concrete progress has been limited.
In 2024, Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials about the possibility of staging a Grand Prix in Kigali, signaling ongoing interest in an African round. Lewis Hamilton, a five‑time world champion, has been vocal about his desire to see an African Grand Prix before he retires. He told the press 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 having a Grand Prix there, without getting to race there, so I'm chasing them: when is it going to be?" he said. "They're setting certain dates, I'm like, 'damn, I could be running out of time', so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens, because that would be amazing, given that I'm half African." Hamilton also highlighted several African locations he admires, noting Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa as potential hosts.
"The ones that I've enjoyed the most: I loved Kenya. I don't think we're going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda particularly was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live.
South Africa is stunning. I think those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to," he explained. The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, which will also host the series’ second Sprint weekend.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract. As the sport continues to evolve, the return of Istanbul Park underscores Formula 1’s commitment to blending tradition with new opportunities, while also keeping an eye on future expansion into untapped markets such as Africa and Southeast Asia.