Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement. Istanbul Park, the venue that last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the championship, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater series. The circuit will join Portugal’s Portimão as a returning venue for next season’s lineup.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after this year’s edition, while the traditional races at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be back in the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to our fans in Turkey and across the globe on one of the sport’s most demanding and exhilarating tracks.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending deep‑rooted heritage with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its long Turn 8 – a sweeping series of high‑speed left‑hand corners that are treated as a single entity.
The section is notorious for imposing extreme lateral G‑forces, testing drivers’ neck strength and endurance. During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazil’s Felipe Massa claimed three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008, cementing his place in the circuit’s lore.
The track also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, sparking one of the most talked‑about moments in recent F1 history. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton, who secured his seventh world title – a record‑tying achievement – in a chaotic, rain‑soaked contest.
The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather drama, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag for his most recent F1 win. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “Turkey’s re‑entry onto the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation – in our organisational capabilities, modern sporting and health infrastructure, and, of course, the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people. We will honour this trust by delivering flawless events, just as we have done before.” With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season. The past three calendars, including this year’s originally planned schedule, have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028.
Potential future 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 despite various proposals, a permanent African round has yet to materialise.
Domenicali has already engaged with Rwandan officials in 2024 about the possibility of staging a Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton, a five‑time champion, recently reiterated his commitment to staying in the sport until an African Grand Prix becomes a reality. He told reporters, “I don’t want to retire without racing in Africa.
I’ve been urging the F1 leadership for seven years, traveling to ten African nations, trying to make it happen.” He emphasized the personal significance, noting his own African heritage and his desire to see the sport expand onto the continent. Hamilton added, “Every other continent has a race; why not Africa?
I’ve enjoyed my visits – Kenya was incredible, Rwanda was spectacular, South Africa is stunning. Those are the places I could see hosting a Grand Prix.” The upcoming season kicks off on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, with the option to cancel at any time.
In summary, Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the nation. The five‑year deal ensures that Istanbul Park will once again challenge drivers with its demanding layout, while also providing fans with the spectacle of high‑speed competition in a city that straddles two continents.
As the championship continues to evolve, the inclusion of historic venues like Turkey alongside discussions of new markets such as Africa underscores Formula 1’s ongoing ambition to blend tradition with global expansion.