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 world championship mix. The venue, which last hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and again in 2021 during the pandemic‑induced reshuffle of the calendar, will re‑enter the roster alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit, which is also returning for the upcoming season.
These additions come as the Dutch Grand Prix is set to disappear after this year’s edition, while the historic tracks at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will move to a biennial rotation, hosting races every other year. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed enthusiasm for the move: “We are thrilled to be back in the dynamic and historic city of Istanbul from 2027 onward, delivering excitement to fans in Turkey and around the globe on one of the sport’s most demanding circuits.” He highlighted Istanbul’s unique position as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, noting that the city blends deep‑rooted tradition with a progressive outlook on sport, business and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became famous for its long, sweeping Turn 8 – a sequence of high‑speed left‑hand corners that function as a single, fluid element.
The corner subjects drivers to intense 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 provided drama in 2010 when Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided, sparking one of the season’s most talked‑about incidents.
After falling off the schedule after the 2011 season, Istanbul Park was resurrected in 2020 as part of a revised calendar. That year, Lewis Hamilton clinched his record‑equalling seventh world title in a rain‑soaked, chaotic race that underscored the circuit’s reputation for unpredictable weather.
The following year, 2021, saw another wet‑weather showdown, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag for his most recent Formula 1 victory. 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 capacity, modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and the renowned hospitality of the Turkish people.” He pledged that Turkey would deliver flawless event management, as it had in previous outings. The re‑entry of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for the 2027 season to 24.
Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars—including the original plan for this year—have each featured 24 rounds, meaning that any brand‑new venues are unlikely to appear until at least 2028. Prospective locations such as Bangkok in Thailand and an African host have been discussed, but neither has materialised into a concrete agreement yet.
Africa’s last Grand Prix took place in 1993 at Kyalami in South Africa. Recent attempts to revive an African round have included talks with Rwandan officials in 2024 about a potential Kigali Grand Prix. Formula 1’s president Domenicali has indicated that discussions are ongoing, and the continent remains a key focus for future expansion.
Lewis Hamilton, a five‑time world 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 countries on the continent.
I’m staying around until that happens because it would be amazing, especially since I have African heritage.” Hamilton added that he has enjoyed his visits to Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, describing Rwanda as “spectacular” and South Africa as “stunning,” both of which he believes would make excellent venues for a future Grand Prix. The upcoming Formula 1 season kicks off with the Miami Grand Prix from May 1‑3, which will also host the series’ second Sprint weekend. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract. As the sport continues to evolve, the return of Turkey and the ongoing conversations about new locations highlight Formula 1’s commitment to expanding its global footprint while preserving the thrilling, high‑tech racing that captivates audiences worldwide.