Turkey is poised 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 amid the pandemic‑induced reshuffling of the championship, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater racing series. The reinstatement of Istanbul Park places the circuit alongside Portugal’s Portimão as the two returning tracks on next season’s lineup. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after this year’s edition, and the historic circuits of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a biennial rotation, each running every other year.
Stefano Domenicali, 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 centuries‑old heritage with a forward‑looking approach to sport, commerce and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation for its demanding Turn 8 – a sweeping, high‑speed left‑hand sequence that is effectively treated as a single corner. The rapid direction changes generate extreme lateral forces, testing drivers' physical endurance, particularly the strength of their neck muscles. During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa claimed three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008, cementing his legacy at the track.
The circuit also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, an incident that remains one of the most talked‑about moments in recent F1 history. After disappearing from the calendar following the 2011 season, Istanbul Park resurfaced in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That year, Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh world title – a record‑tying achievement – after a rain‑soaked race that tested both driver skill and team strategy.
The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, again affected by wet conditions, saw Valtteri Bottas capture his most recent victory in Formula 1. 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 a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past." With Turkey’s re‑entry, a total of 24 circuits now have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. The last three championships, including the original plan for this year, featured 24 rounds, meaning any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028.
Potential future expansions have been discussed, notably 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 recent talks have explored bringing a race back to the region.
In 2024, Domenicali met with Rwandan officials to discuss a possible Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for an African round. He recently revealed his intention to stay in the sport until a Grand Prix is held on the continent, noting that he has been lobbying F1 leadership for the past 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.
He added, "They're setting certain dates, I'm like, 'damn, I could be running out of time', so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens, because that would be amazing, given that I'm half African." The Ferrari driver also highlighted his personal connections to the continent: "There's one on every other continent, why not Africa? I know they're really trying. I think they've been to quite a few different countries. The ones that I've enjoyed the most: I loved Kenya.
I don't think we're going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda particularly was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live.
South Africa is stunning. I think those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to." Looking ahead, the 2026 season will feature a full slate of races, with the Miami Grand Prix slated for May 1‑3 as the second Sprint weekend of the year, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the action via NOW, with flexible, contract‑free access.
In summary, Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the host nation. The five‑year deal ensures that Istanbul Park will once again challenge drivers with its iconic layout, while also offering spectators a blend of high‑octane competition and cultural richness. As F1 continues to evolve, the sport’s leadership remains focused on expanding its global footprint, with Africa and Southeast Asia emerging as key areas of interest for future growth.