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 spotlight. The circuit, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the championship, will re‑enter the roster alongside Portugal’s Portimão, another venue returning for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after this year, while the classic races at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a biennial rotation, each running every other year.
Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the revival: “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 highlighted Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting that the city blends historic heritage with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its daunting Turn 8 – a rapid succession of left‑hand corners that drivers treat as a single, high‑speed sweep. The corner subjects drivers to extreme lateral G‑forces, testing both skill and physical endurance, particularly the neck muscles.
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, sparking a memorable on‑track incident. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised calendar.
That race was marked by chaotic, rain‑soaked conditions, and Lewis Hamilton clinched his record‑equalling seventh world title amid the turmoil. The following year, the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was again heavily affected by wet weather, with Valtteri Bottas taking the victory – his most recent win in the sport to date. 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.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless organisation, as it had in previous editions.
The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for 2027 to 24. Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars, including this year’s original plan, have featured 24 rounds, meaning that any further expansion is unlikely until at least 2028. Nonetheless, speculation continues about new venues.
Prospective locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and a yet‑unnamed African city have been discussed, though neither has secured a spot yet. Africa’s last Grand Prix took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa. Recent attempts to revive an African round have not yet materialised, though Stefano Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials in 2024 about a potential Kigali Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton, who is half‑African, has been vocal about his desire to see a race on the continent before he retires. He told the media, “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 added that he feels time is limited and hopes to stay in the sport long enough to make that happen. Hamilton further explained his personal connection, saying, “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.” The 2026 season will feature a full schedule that can be streamed without a contract, and fans can also tune into The F1 Show podcast for deeper analysis. Sky Sports will continue to provide live coverage, including the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which marks the second Sprint weekend of the year.
In summary, Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar represents a significant milestone for both the sport and the nation. With a five‑year commitment starting in 2027, Istanbul Park will once again challenge drivers with its high‑speed Turn 8 and showcase the city’s cultural richness to a global audience. The move also underscores Formula 1’s ongoing evolution, balancing the preservation of historic venues with the exploration of new markets, while keeping the door open for future expansions into regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.