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 championship mix. The circuit, which previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the calendar, will once again challenge drivers and thrill fans worldwide.
The re‑entry of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão, another venue returning to the roster for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix is set to be dropped after the current year, while the historic circuits at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will move to a rotating, bi‑annual format, meaning each will host a race every other year. 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, blending deep‑rooted history with 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 high‑speed left‑hand corners that are technically treated as a single complex.
The corner subjects drivers to extreme lateral G‑forces, putting considerable strain on neck muscles and testing the limits of car aerodynamics. 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 produced one of the sport’s most memorable incidents in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided at Turn 8, ending Vettel’s race and sparking a fierce rivalry.
After a long hiatus following the 2011 season, Istanbul Park was revived in 2020 as part of a revised schedule aimed at accommodating the disruptions caused by COVID‑19. That year, Lewis Hamilton secured a dramatic victory in treacherous wet conditions, clinching his seventh world title – a record‑tying achievement – after a race that saw multiple drivers struggle with aquaplaning and visibility issues.
The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again heavily influenced by rain. Valtteri Bottas emerged victorious, delivering his most recent win in Formula 1 and underscoring the circuit’s reputation for producing unpredictable, weather‑dependent outcomes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 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.” With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season. The last three Formula 1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear before 2028.
Potential future destinations have been discussed, notably Bangkok in Thailand and an as‑yet‑unnamed African venue. Africa’s last Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993, and although there have been periodic attempts to bring a race back to the continent, none have materialised so far.
In 2024, Domenicali held exploratory talks with Rwandan officials about the possibility of a Kigali Grand Prix, reflecting the sport’s growing interest in expanding into new markets. Lewis Hamilton, a seven‑time world champion, has publicly advocated for an African round.
He revealed his intention to stay in the sport until a Grand Prix takes place on the continent, noting that he has been lobbying F1 leadership for at least seven years. “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?” he said. Hamilton emphasized his personal connection, noting his African heritage and his desire to see the sport grow there. Hamilton also highlighted several African locations he finds appealing.
He praised Kenya for its atmosphere, Rwanda for its spectacular setting, and South Africa for its stunning landscapes, suggesting that each could serve as a viable host for a future race. His comments align with broader F1 ambitions to achieve a more global footprint, ensuring representation on every continent. The upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans 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. Istanbul Park’s storied history, challenging layout, and passionate fan base promise to add excitement to the 2027 schedule.
Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about new venues in Asia and Africa signal a forward‑looking strategy aimed at diversifying the championship’s global presence, ensuring that the roar of engines can be heard in more corners of the world than ever before.