Turkey is slated to make its comeback to the Formula 1 schedule beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement. Istanbul Park, the circuit that hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after the pandemic forced a reshuffle of the calendar, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater racing series. The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão, which is also slated to reappear on next year’s roster.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after the current season, while the classic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, biennial format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move: “We are thrilled to be back in the dynamic and historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to our Turkish supporters and fans worldwide on one of the sport’s most demanding and exhilarating circuits.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending deep‑rooted heritage with a forward‑looking spirit in sport, commerce and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 timetable in 2005 and quickly became renowned for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid sequence of left‑hand corners taken as a single, high‑speed element that subjects drivers to extreme lateral forces and tests the strength of their necks.
Brazilian driver Felipe Massa claimed three consecutive Turkish victories between 2006 and 2008, while the track also witnessed the dramatic 2010 collision between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park returned in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race saw Lewis Hamilton clinch his record‑tying seventh world title amid chaotic, rain‑soaked conditions.
The following year, the 2021 Grand Prix was again shaped by wet weather, allowing Valtteri Bottas to secure his most recent Formula 1 win. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “Turkey’s re‑entry onto the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation – in our organisational capability, modern sporting and medical infrastructure, and the celebrated hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless event management, as it has done in previous outings. With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season.
The past three Formula 1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Potential future locations have been discussed, notably Bangkok in Thailand and a race on the African continent. Africa’s last Grand Prix was held at Kyalami, South Africa, in 1993, and despite periodic talks, a return has not yet materialised. In 2024, Domenicali met with Rwandan officials to explore the possibility of a Kigali Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton recently reiterated his personal commitment to seeing a race in Africa before he retires. He told reporters that he has been urging Formula 1 leadership for the past seven years, having visited ten African nations.
“I don’t want to leave the sport without a Grand Prix there,” he said. “I’m chasing it – when will it happen? They’re setting dates, and I’m aware my time may be limited, so I’ll stay as long as needed to make it a reality.” Hamilton, who is half‑African, added that every other continent already hosts a race, so Africa deserves a spot.
He highlighted his favorite African experiences, mentioning Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa as locations he would love to see on the calendar, even if Kenya may be unlikely. The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which will also feature the series’ second Sprint weekend, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the action via Sky Sports’ NOW service, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. Overall, Turkey’s re‑entry underscores Formula 1’s ongoing strategy to balance historic venues with fresh markets, while also addressing calls for greater geographic diversity. The five‑year deal ensures that Istanbul Park will once again be a focal point for high‑speed drama, technical challenges and the global fanfare that defines the sport.