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 world championship’s lineup. The circuit, which previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after the calendar was reshuffled because of the Covid‑19 crisis, will once again challenge drivers and thrill fans. The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit, another venue that will be reinstated for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current year, and the classic races at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a rotating, bi‑annual format, meaning each will appear every other year rather than annually.
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, offering a distinctive mix of historic heritage and a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business, and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid succession of left‑hand corners that are effectively treated as a single, high‑speed bend. The corner subjects drivers to intense lateral G‑forces, testing the strength of their necks and the precision of their car setups.
During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated, winning three consecutive races from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also provided drama in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided on the fast straight, a moment that remains a vivid memory for fans.
After disappearing from the schedule after the 2011 season, Istanbul Park reappeared in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton, who secured his seventh world championship – a record‑tying achievement – in a chaotic, rain‑splashed event. The following year, 2021, the race was again heavily influenced by wet conditions, and Valtteri Bottas claimed his most recent Formula 1 victory there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan 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 flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.” The inclusion of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for 2027 to 24. Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars, including the original plan for this season, have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Potential new locations have been discussed, such as a race in Bangkok, Thailand, and a return to Africa. The continent last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and while there have been periodic talks about bringing a race back, nothing concrete has materialised yet.
In 2024, Domenicali met with Rwandan officials to explore the possibility of a future Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton, who has expressed a personal desire to see a race in Africa before he retires, said last month, “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? 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.” He added that he has visited ten African countries and believes the continent deserves its own round, noting that every other continent already has a race. The Ferrari driver also highlighted specific African venues he finds appealing.
“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,” Hamilton said. Beyond the political and driver commentary, the return of Turkey signals a broader trend of Formula 1 reshaping its global footprint.
While the sport continues to expand into new markets, it also respects the heritage of classic circuits that have defined its history. Istanbul Park, with its unique blend of high‑speed sections, technical corners, and a setting that straddles two continents, embodies that balance. Fans can look forward to the 2027 season kicking off with a fresh mix of familiar and new venues, and the Turkish Grand Prix is expected to be a highlight due to its challenging layout and passionate local supporters.
As the sport evolves, the inclusion of Turkey underscores Formula 1’s commitment to delivering diverse, exciting racing experiences across the world. The next race weekend begins on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the season’s second Sprint event. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, canceling at any time.