Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 calendar 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 again in 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the season, will re‑enter the roster alongside Portugal's Portimão, which is also returning for the upcoming campaign.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after this season, while the historic venues of Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will move to a bi‑annual rotation, each hosting a race every other year. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his 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 highlighted Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting that the city blends deep‑rooted history with a forward‑looking attitude toward sport, business and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid sequence of left‑hand corners that drivers treat as a single, high‑speed bend. The corner subjects drivers to extreme lateral G‑forces, testing both skill and physical endurance, particularly the strength of their necks. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, winning three consecutive Turkish Grands Prix from 2006 to 2008.
The circuit also produced a dramatic moment in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, sparking a headline‑making incident. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park re‑appeared in 2020 as part of a revised calendar.
That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton, who secured his record‑equalling seventh world championship in a chaotic, rain‑soaked event. The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather showdown, with Valtteri Bottas taking the victory, marking his most recent win in Formula 1 to date.
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." The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for 2027 to 24. For the past three seasons, the championship has featured 24 rounds, meaning that any new venue would not be added until at least 2028.
Speculation continues about further expansion, with Bangkok in Thailand and a potential African Grand Prix often mentioned as future candidates. Africa’s last Formula 1 race was held in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa, and while there have been talks about reviving a South African round, nothing has been finalized yet. In 2024, Domenicali also met with Rwandan officials to discuss the possibility of a Grand Prix in Kigali. Lewis Hamilton has been vocal about his desire to see a race on the African continent before he retires.
He told reporters that he has been urging F1 leadership for the past seven years, having visited ten African nations in the process. "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. He added, "They're setting certain dates, I'm like, 'damn, I could be running out of time', so I'm going to be here for a while until that happens, because that would be amazing, given that I'm half African." The Ferrari driver also highlighted his personal favorites on the continent, noting that Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa left strong impressions on him.
"The ones that I've enjoyed the most: I loved Kenya. I don't think we're going to have a Grand Prix in Kenya, but Rwanda particularly was spectacular. Two places I felt like I could live. South Africa is stunning.
I think those are the ones I think would be good places for us to potentially go to," Hamilton explained. Looking ahead, the 2026 season will feature a full slate of races, with the Miami Grand Prix kicking off the sprint weekend action from May 1‑3, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream all events via NOW without a long‑term contract, and additional content such as podcasts, videos and analysis is available through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel. The return of Turkey adds another chapter to Formula 1’s ever‑evolving global narrative, promising thrilling racing on a circuit that combines technical difficulty, historic significance and the unique cultural backdrop of Istanbul.