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, which previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after the pandemic forced a reshuffle of the calendar, will now enjoy a longer-term place among the sport’s venues. The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit, another track that is set to reappear on next year’s roster.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the iconic circuits at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a biennial format, alternating each year. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm for the move: “We are thrilled to be heading back to the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward. Our fans in Turkey and around the globe will once again experience one of the most demanding and exhilarating circuits on the calendar.” He added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending centuries‑old heritage with a forward‑looking spirit in sport, business and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation for its demanding Turn 8—a sweeping, high‑speed left‑hand corner that is effectively treated as a single, fluid bend. The sequence subjects drivers to intense lateral G‑forces, testing both their skill and the strength of their necks. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the early years, securing three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, a moment that remains etched in the sport’s history.
After being dropped after the 2011 season, Istanbul Park made a brief comeback in 2020. That race was memorable for Lewis Hamilton’s masterful drive in treacherous, rain‑soaked conditions, which clinched his seventh world championship—a record‑tying achievement. The following year, wet weather again played a decisive role, allowing Valtteri Bottas to claim his most recent Grand Prix 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’s organisational capabilities, modern sporting and medical infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that the country would deliver flawless event management, echoing the professionalism shown during previous editions.
With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season. The past three seasons, including the original 2024 schedule, also featured 24 rounds, meaning that any new venues are unlikely to be added until at least 2028.
Speculation continues about potential expansions, with Bangkok in Thailand and an African venue frequently mentioned as future candidates. Africa’s last Formula 1 race took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa. Although there have been periodic discussions about reviving a South African Grand Prix, concrete plans have yet to materialise.
In 2024, Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials about the possibility of a Grand Prix in Kigali, signalling a genuine interest in bringing the sport back to the continent. Lewis Hamilton, a six‑time champion, has been vocal about his desire to see a race in Africa before he retires. He told reporters, “I don’t want to leave the sport without having a Grand Prix there. I’ve been pushing the bosses for years, visiting ten different African nations, and I’m still chasing that opportunity.” Hamilton highlighted his personal connections, noting his African heritage and his love for the continent’s diverse landscapes.
He specifically mentioned Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa as locations he would love to see on the calendar, describing Rwanda as “spectacular” and South Africa as “stunning.” The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, which will also host the series’ second Sprint weekend. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract. As the sport looks ahead to 2027, the return of Turkey adds another historic venue to the mix, while the ongoing dialogue about new markets in Asia and Africa underscores Formula 1’s ambition to become an even more global spectacle.