Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 calendar beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement. Istanbul Park, the venue that hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle, will once again welcome the world’s premier motorsport series. The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as the two tracks re‑entering the lineup for the upcoming season.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after this year, while the historic circuits of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will adopt a rotating, biennial format. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed 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 rich heritage with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 roster in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid sequence of left‑hand corners treated as a single, high‑speed sweep that tests drivers’ neck strength due to the extreme g‑forces. Brazilian star Felipe Massa claimed three consecutive Turkish victories from 2006 to 2008, while the circuit also witnessed the dramatic 2010 collision between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.
After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park made a brief comeback in 2020. That race was marked by torrential rain, and Lewis Hamilton clinched his record‑equalling seventh world title under chaotic, wet conditions. The following year, another rain‑soaked Grand Prix saw Valtteri Bottas secure his most recent Formula 1 win. 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 reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now have contracts for the 2027 season. The past three Formula 1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, have each featured 24 rounds, meaning any further expansion would not occur until at least 2028. Potential new venues have been floated, such as 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 attempts to revive an African round have yet to materialise. Domenicali has already held discussions with Rwandan officials in 2024 about a possible Kigali Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton, a five‑time champion, recently reiterated his personal commitment to seeing an African Grand Prix on the calendar. He told reporters, "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 to the continent, noting his African heritage and his desire to race there before retirement.
Hamilton also highlighted several African locations he admires: "I've loved Kenya, though I don’t think a race will happen there, and Rwanda was spectacular – two places I could see myself living. South Africa is stunning as well. Those are the spots I think would be great for a future Grand Prix." The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, featuring the second Sprint weekend of the year, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
Fans can stream the races via NOW without a long‑term contract, and additional content such as podcasts, video highlights and analysis is available through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel. In summary, Turkey’s re‑entry into Formula 1 marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the host nation.
The five‑year deal ensures Istanbul Park will once again challenge drivers with its iconic Turn 8 and provide spectators with the unique blend of cultural richness and modern excitement that the city offers. Meanwhile, discussions about expanding the calendar to include new markets in Asia and Africa continue, reflecting Formula 1’s ambition to become an even more global spectacle in the years ahead.