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 previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater racing series.
The circuit will join Portugal’s Portimão as a returning venue on next year’s lineup. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix is set to disappear after the current season, while the iconic tracks at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will move to a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, president of the sport’s governing body, expressed enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be back in the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to fans in Turkey and around the globe on one of Formula 1’s most demanding and exhilarating circuits.” He went on to highlight Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting the city’s blend of tradition and modernity across sport, business and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its long Turn 8—a rapid succession of high‑speed left‑hand corners that are treated as a single, sweeping element. The corner subjects drivers to intense lateral G‑forces, testing both skill and neck strength. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix from 2006 to 2008.
The circuit also produced a dramatic moment in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided at Turn 8, sparking a headline‑making incident. After a hiatus following the 2011 season, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That race saw Lewis Hamilton claim his seventh world championship—a record‑tying achievement—after a chaotic, rain‑soaked event that tested drivers’ precision and strategy. The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again affected by wet conditions, allowing Valtteri Bottas to secure 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 capability, modern sporting and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver a flawless event, echoing the professionalism shown in previous editions. The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for the 2027 season to 24. Historically, the last three calendars—including the original plan for this year—have featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Prospective locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and a potential African Grand Prix have been discussed, but neither has secured a spot yet.
Africa’s last Formula 1 race was held at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993. Recent talks have explored a return, with Stefano Domenicali meeting Rwandan officials in 2024 about a possible Grand Prix in Kigali.
Former world champion Lewis Hamilton has been an outspoken advocate for an African round, saying he intends to stay in the sport until a race materialises on the continent. He explained, “I don’t want to retire without having raced in Africa. I’ve visited ten African countries and keep pushing the bosses for a calendar slot.” Hamilton added that he feels a personal connection, noting his own African heritage and expressing excitement about venues like Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, which he described as “spectacular” and places he could imagine living.
The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, featuring the second Sprint weekend of the year. Fans can watch live on Sky Sports F1, and the network also offers streaming through NOW with a flexible, no‑contract subscription. In summary, Turkey’s five‑year deal ensures that Istanbul Park will once again be a staple of the Formula 1 world from 2027 onward, joining a roster of historic circuits while the sport continues to explore new markets in Asia and Africa. The announcement underscores the series’ commitment to blending tradition with expansion, delivering high‑octane action to a global audience.