The Turkish Grand Prix is set to make a comeback in the Formula 1 calendar, starting from 2027, as part of a new five-year agreement. Istanbul Park, which last hosted the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, will once again welcome F1.
This development comes as the Portuguese circuit of Portimao also rejoins the calendar, while the Dutch Grand Prix will not be featured after the current season. Additionally, the Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps circuits will alternate, becoming biennial events. F1 President Stefano Domenicali expressed his excitement about returning to Istanbul, praising the city's unique cultural blend and its challenging circuit, known for its high-speed corners. Istanbul initially joined the F1 calendar in 2005 and has hosted notable races, including Felipe Massa's three consecutive wins and the collision between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in 2010.
The track's return in 2020 saw Lewis Hamilton secure a record-equalling seventh world title in a rain-affected race, and Valtteri Bottas claimed victory in the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, also impacted by wet weather. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the country's organizational capacity and hospitality.
With Turkey's return, 24 tracks now have contracts for the 2027 season, leaving potential openings for new events in 2028. Discussions about introducing F1 to new destinations, such as Thailand's Bangkok and a race in Africa, are ongoing, with Lewis Hamilton advocating for a Grand Prix in Africa, a continent he has a personal connection to and believes would be an amazing addition to the F1 calendar.