Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 world tour beginning in 2027, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement that will see Istanbul Park back in the spotlight. The circuit, which previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after the pandemic forced a reshuffle of the schedule, will once again challenge drivers and thrill fans with its demanding layout.
The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as the two venues re‑entering next season’s calendar. This adjustment comes as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the historic tracks at 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 added that Istanbul serves as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, blending deep‑rooted history with a progressive outlook on sport, business, and entertainment.
Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its long Turn 8—a sweeping series of high‑speed left‑hand corners that drivers treat as a single, fluid maneuver. The corner is notorious for generating extreme lateral g‑forces, putting a particular strain on drivers’ necks and demanding exceptional physical conditioning.
During the early years of the Turkish Grand Prix, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated, winning three consecutive races from 2006 to 2008. The circuit also witnessed a dramatic clash in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, underscoring the track’s reputation for producing high‑tension moments. After disappearing from the schedule after 2011, Istanbul Park made a comeback in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That race is remembered for a chaotic, rain‑soaked finish that allowed Lewis Hamilton to clinch his seventh world championship, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record.
The following year, wet conditions again played a pivotal role, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag in a race that tested both driver skill and team strategy. 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—our robust organisational capacity, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation. As Turkey, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past." 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 races, meaning that any additional venues are unlikely to appear before 2028.
Potential new locations continue to be discussed. Bangkok in Thailand and a prospective African Grand Prix have been mentioned as future possibilities, though neither has materialised yet. Africa’s last Formula 1 event was the 1993 race at Kyalami in South Africa, and recent attempts to revive a South African round have not come to fruition.
In 2024, Domenicali held talks with Rwandan officials about hosting a Grand Prix in Kigali, indicating ongoing interest in expanding the sport’s footprint on the continent. Lewis Hamilton, a seven‑time world champion, has been vocal about his desire to see a race in Africa before he retires. He told the media, "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 hope that a race could be added within his remaining career years. Hamilton also highlighted several African destinations he admires: "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." The upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. In summary, Turkey’s re‑introduction to the F1 schedule marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the host nation.
Istanbul Park’s iconic layout, its storied past, and the enthusiastic support from local authorities promise to deliver memorable races for years to come, while the broader conversation about expanding the calendar to new markets—particularly in Africa—continues to shape the future of Formula 1.