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 the pandemic forced a reshuffle of the calendar, 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 will be omitted after this year, while the iconic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to be back in the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to fans across Turkey and the globe 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 rich tradition with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 roster in 2005 and quickly became renowned for its daunting Turn 8 – a sweeping series of high‑speed left‑hand corners that are essentially treated as a single, continuous bend. The corner subjects drivers to intense lateral forces, testing both their skill and neck strength.
Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix 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 action. After disappearing from the calendar after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That race became memorable when Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world title – a record‑tying achievement – in a chaotic, rain‑soaked event.
The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again dominated by inclement weather, with Valtteri Bottas securing his most recent F1 victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, saying, “Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation’s organisational capabilities, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless event management, just as it had in previous editions. The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for 2027 to 24.
Historically, the last three F1 calendars – including the original plan for this year – have each featured 24 rounds, meaning any new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Speculation continues about potential expansions, with Bangkok in Thailand and an African Grand Prix often mentioned as future possibilities.
Africa last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and while there have been talks about bringing the race back – including recent discussions between Stefano Domenicali and Rwandan officials about a Kigali event – nothing has been finalized. Lewis Hamilton, a six‑time champion, has been vocal about his desire to see a race on the African continent before he retires. He told the media that he has been lobbying F1 leadership for years, having visited ten African nations and advocating for a Grand Prix there.
“I don’t want to leave the sport without a race in Africa,” he said. “I’m chasing that opportunity because, as someone with African heritage, it would mean a lot to race there.” Hamilton added that he has enjoyed his visits to Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, describing Rwanda as “spectacular” and South Africa as “stunning,” and believes these locations could host successful events.
The upcoming season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also feature the second Sprint weekend of the year. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract.
As the sport looks ahead to 2027, the return of Turkey adds a beloved, technically challenging circuit back into the mix, promising thrilling battles for drivers and an exciting experience for supporters worldwide.