Turkey is poised 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 limelight. The circuit, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the championship, will once again challenge drivers and thrill fans after a brief hiatus. The return of Istanbul Park places it alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as the two venues re‑entering next year’s roster. Their inclusion comes as the Dutch Grand Prix will be dropped after the current season, while the iconic races at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will shift to a biennial rotation, meaning each will appear every other year rather than annually.
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, offering a unique blend of historic heritage and forward‑looking ambition in sport, business, and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the Formula 1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding Turn 8 – a rapid succession of high‑speed left‑hand corners that effectively function as a single, sweeping bend. The corner subjects drivers to extreme lateral G‑forces, testing both car setup and the physical endurance of the pilots, particularly their neck muscles.
During the early years of its tenure, Brazilian driver Felipe Massa dominated the Turkish Grand Prix, 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, a moment that remains etched in F1 folklore. After disappearing from the schedule following the 2011 season, Istanbul Park made a surprise return in 2020 as part of a revised calendar aimed at accommodating new venues and pandemic constraints. That race was notable for a rain‑soaked finish that allowed Lewis Hamilton to clinch his seventh world championship, tying the all‑time record.
The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather showdown, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag in what became his most recent Grand Prix victory. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the announcement, 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 flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.” With Turkey’s reinstatement, a total of 24 circuits now hold contracts for the 2027 season. Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars, including the original plan for this year, have featured 24 rounds, meaning that any additional venues would not be expected to join until at least 2028. Prospective locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and a yet‑unnamed African city have been discussed, but neither has secured a place on the timetable yet. Africa’s last Grand Prix took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa.
Recent attempts to revive a race on the continent have yet to materialise, though Stefano Domenicali met with Rwandan officials in 2024 to explore the possibility of hosting a Grand Prix in Kigali. Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has been an outspoken advocate for an African round, saying he intends to stay in the sport until such an event materialises. He explained, “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?
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.” Hamilton also highlighted several African locations he admires, noting his affection for Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, and suggesting they could serve as viable hosts for future races. His passion underscores a broader push within the sport to expand its global footprint and tap into new markets.
The upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which also hosts the second Sprint weekend of the year. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the network offers streaming options through NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing viewers to cancel at any time. In summary, Turkey’s re‑entry into the Formula 1 calendar marks a significant milestone for both the sport and the host nation.
The five‑year deal not only restores a beloved circuit but also reinforces Formula 1’s commitment to diversifying its venues while honoring classic tracks. As the championship continues to evolve, the blend of historic glamour and modern ambition embodied by Istanbul Park promises to deliver unforgettable moments for drivers, teams, and audiences worldwide.