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, which is also returning for the upcoming season. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after this year, and the classic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, bi‑annual format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move: “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 went on to highlight Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting that the city blends historic tradition with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment.
Istanbul first appeared on the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid succession of left‑hand corners that drivers treat as a single, high‑g element, putting considerable strain on neck muscles. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also provided drama in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, and it later staged a rain‑soaked showdown in 2020 where Lewis Hamilton secured his record‑equalling seventh world title. In 2021, another wet race saw Valtteri Bottas claim his most recent victory.
After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park returned as part of the revised 2020 calendar, only to be dropped again until the new deal takes effect. 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 organization, as it has done in previous events. The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for the 2027 season to 24. Historically, the last three F1 calendars – including the original plan for this year – have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues would not be expected to join until at least 2028.
Speculation continues about potential expansions, with Bangkok in Thailand and an African Grand Prix often mentioned as future possibilities. Africa’s last F1 race took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and while there have been discussions about reviving a South African round, nothing concrete has emerged yet. In 2024, Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials about hosting a Grand Prix in Kigali, reflecting ongoing interest in tapping the continent’s market. Lewis Hamilton, a seven‑time world champion, recently reiterated his personal commitment to seeing a race in Africa 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 a personal connection, noting his African heritage and his desire to race on the continent. Hamilton praised several African locations he has visited, saying, “The ones that I’ve enjoyed the most: I loved Kenya.
I don’t think we’ll have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda particularly was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live.
South Africa is stunning. Those are the places I think would be good for us to potentially go to.” As the 2024 season progresses, the calendar will open on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which also serves as the second Sprint weekend of the year.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the network promotes its streaming service NOW, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. The return of Turkey adds fresh intrigue to the championship’s future, promising a blend of historic excitement and new opportunities for teams, drivers, and global audiences alike.