Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 roster 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 of the schedule, will once again welcome the world’s premier single‑seater racing series.
The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as a revived venue on next year’s lineup. These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the historic circuits at 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 thrilled to be heading back to the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to our fans in Turkey and across the globe on one of the sport’s most demanding and captivating tracks.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending deep‑rooted tradition 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 high‑speed left‑hand corners that drivers treat as a single, fluid element.
The corner subjects competitors to intense lateral g‑forces, testing both car stability and driver neck strength. Brazilian star Felipe Massa claimed three consecutive Turkish victories from 2006 to 2008, while the circuit also witnessed the dramatic 2010 clash between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park resurfaced in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That year, Lewis Hamilton secured his record‑equalling seventh world title in a rain‑soaked, chaotic race that highlighted the track’s unpredictable weather.
The following year, the 2021 Grand Prix, again affected by wet conditions, saw Valtteri Bottas capture his most recent Formula 1 win. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, stating, “Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar reflects the strong confidence placed in our nation – in our robust organisational capacity, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless organization, as it has in previous events. With Turkey’s re‑entry, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season. The past three F1 calendars, including the original schedule for this year, each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any new venues would not be added until at least 2028.
Speculation continues about potential expansions, with Bangkok in Thailand and an African venue frequently mentioned, 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 a South African round have not materialised, but Stefano Domenicali held discussions in 2024 with Rwandan officials about a possible Kigali Grand Prix.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has publicly advocated for an African race, saying he intends to stay in the sport until such a event is realized. He explained, “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there. I’ve been pushing the bosses for years, visiting ten countries on the continent.” Hamilton added that he feels a personal connection, noting his African heritage and his desire to see a race on the continent. Hamilton also shared his favorite African locations, praising Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as potential hosts.
He remarked, “There’s a Grand Prix on every other continent – why not Africa? I’ve enjoyed Kenya, Rwanda was spectacular, and South Africa is stunning. Those would be fantastic venues.” 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 coverage via NOW, with a flexible, no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
In summary, Turkey’s five‑year deal secures Istanbul Park’s return from 2027, expanding the sport’s global footprint while reinforcing its presence in a city that uniquely straddles two continents. The move reshapes the calendar, removes the Dutch round, and introduces a rotating system for Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps. Meanwhile, discussions continue about future venues in Asia and Africa, with high‑profile drivers like Hamilton championing the cause.
As the sport evolves, the blend of historic circuits and new markets promises to keep Formula 1 exciting for fans worldwide.