Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement. The Istanbul Park circuit, which 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 return of Istanbul Park places the venue alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as the two tracks re‑entering next season’s roster.
Their inclusion comes as the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after this year, while the historic circuits of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating format, each running every other year. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be heading back to the vibrant, dynamic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to our fans in Turkey and around the globe on one of the sport’s most demanding and exhilarating circuits.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern ambition that aligns perfectly with the sport’s forward‑looking ethos. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its daunting Turn 8—a sweeping sequence of high‑speed left‑hand corners treated as a single, fluid element.
The corner subjects drivers to intense lateral G‑forces, testing both skill and physical endurance, particularly the strength of their necks. During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated, securing three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also produced a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, underscoring the track’s reputation for producing high‑stakes racing.
After disappearing from the calendar after 2011, Istanbul Park made a brief comeback in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton, who clinched his seventh world title—tying the all‑time record—amid chaotic, rain‑soaked conditions. The following year, wet weather again played a pivotal role, allowing Valtteri Bottas to capture his most recent Formula 1 victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation’s organisational capabilities, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless event management, echoing the country’s previous successes in hosting international sporting spectacles.
With Turkey’s re‑entry, a total of 24 circuits now have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars—including the original plan for this year—featured 24 races, meaning that any additional venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Potential new locations have been discussed, notably Bangkok in Thailand and an African venue. Africa’s last Grand Prix was held in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and while there have been periodic talks about reviving a South African round, nothing concrete has materialised yet.
In 2024, Domenicali also met with Rwandan officials to explore the possibility of staging a future race in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton, a seven‑time world champion, has been an outspoken advocate for bringing Formula 1 to the African continent.
He recently revealed his intention to remain in the sport until an African Grand Prix is realised, noting that he has been lobbying the governing body for the past seven years. Hamilton highlighted his personal connection, saying, “I don’t want to retire without having raced in Africa. I’ve visited ten countries there, and I’m eager to see a race on the continent.” He emphasized the timing pressure, adding, “They’re setting dates, and I feel I could be running out of time, so I’ll stay as long as needed to make it happen.” The Ferrari driver also voiced his support, pointing out that every other continent already hosts a Grand Prix and questioning why Africa is excluded.
He cited his favourite African experiences, mentioning Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as potential host nations, and described Rwanda as “spectacular” and “a place I could live.” Formula 1’s 2026 schedule, which will be the final iteration before the 2027 expansion, features a blend of traditional European staples and newer venues across the globe. Fans can stream every race without a long‑term contract through various digital platforms, and dedicated podcasts such as "The F1 Show" provide in‑depth analysis and interviews.
The season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, marking the second Sprint weekend of the year. Coverage will be available live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can access the broadcast via NOW, with the flexibility to cancel at any time. In summary, Turkey’s re‑introduction to the Formula 1 calendar not only restores a beloved circuit to the sport but also underscores the championship’s ongoing evolution, balancing historic tracks with emerging markets. The five‑year deal secures Istanbul Park’s place on the schedule through 2031, promising fans thrilling battles on Turn 8’s demanding layout and reaffirming Turkey’s status as a key player in the world of motorsport.