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 world championship’s rotation. The circuit last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and again in 2021, when the pandemic forced a reshuffle of the global racing calendar.
The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit, which is also slated to reappear on next season’s roster. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the historic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a bi‑annual format, alternating years rather than running every season.
Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the news: “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 deep‑rooted history with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005, quickly becoming famous for its demanding Turn 8—a fast, sweeping left‑hand sequence that drivers treat as a single, high‑speed corner. The relentless g‑forces generated there test the physical stamina of even the most fit drivers, especially their neck muscles. During the early years of its tenure, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the event, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix from 2006 to 2008.
The circuit also witnessed a dramatic collision in 2010 between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, an incident that remains a talking point among fans. After being dropped after the 2011 season, Istanbul Park made a surprise return in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That race is remembered for Lewis Hamilton’s masterful performance in treacherous, rain‑soaked conditions, which secured his seventh world title—a record‑tying achievement. The following year, the 2021 Grand Prix was again heavily influenced by wet weather, allowing Valtteri Bottas to claim his most recent Formula 1 victory.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the decision, stating, “I regard Turkey's return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country—our robust organisational capacity, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish nation.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless organization, as it has done in previous events. With Turkey’s re‑entry, a total of 24 circuits now have confirmed contracts for the 2027 season. The past three Formula 1 calendars, including the original schedule for this year, each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Potential future expansions have been discussed, notably a race in Bangkok, Thailand, and a long‑awaited African Grand Prix.
Africa’s last appearance on the championship map was at Kyalami in South Africa in 1993, and despite periodic talks, a permanent return has yet to materialise. In 2024, Domenicali held discussions with Rwandan officials about hosting a Grand Prix in Kigali, signaling serious interest in bringing the sport to the continent.
Lewis Hamilton has been an outspoken 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. Hamilton highlighted several African locations he admires, including Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, and expressed hope that one of them could become a future venue.
The upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which also serves as the second Sprint weekend of the year. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, with the option to cancel at any time. In summary, Turkey’s five‑year deal ensures that Istanbul Park will once again host the thrilling, high‑speed battles that have defined the Turkish Grand Prix in the past. The move reflects both the sport’s desire to revisit proven, fan‑favorite circuits and its broader ambition to expand into new markets, with Africa remaining a key target for future growth.
The 2027 calendar, now featuring 24 confirmed venues, promises a diverse and globally representative season for teams, drivers, and fans alike.