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 last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and again in 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the championship, will now re‑enter the roster alongside Portugal’s Portimão, another venue returning to next year’s line‑up.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix is set to pause after the current season, while the historic tracks at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, biennial format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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 forward‑looking attitude toward sport, commerce, 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 taken as a single, high‑speed element that tests drivers’ neck strength due to the intense g‑forces. 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 memorable moments.
After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park made a brief return in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race was notable for Lewis Hamilton’s record‑equalling seventh world title, secured in chaotic, rain‑soaked conditions that highlighted both driver skill and strategic acumen. The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again affected by wet weather, with Valtteri Bottas claiming his most recent victory in the sport.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, saying, “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‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for 2027 to 24, matching the size of the last three seasons, which have all featured 24 rounds. Consequently, any further expansion of the calendar is unlikely until at least 2028.
Discussions about potential new venues continue, with Bangkok in Thailand and a yet‑unnamed African location frequently mentioned as prospective additions. Africa’s most recent Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993, and although there have been talks about reviving a race there, no concrete plans have materialised yet. In 2024, Domenicali met with Rwandan officials to explore the possibility of a future Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for an African round, stating that he does not want to retire without seeing a race on the continent.
He explained, “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.’ I’ll stay around until that happens because it would be amazing, given that I’m half African.” Hamilton added that he has visited ten African nations and highlighted Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as locations he finds particularly appealing, even suggesting he could imagine living there. The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. As Turkey prepares for its 2027 return, the sport looks forward to a renewed chapter in Istanbul, promising thrilling battles on one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar.