Turkey is slated to make a comeback on the Formula 1 schedule beginning in the 2027 season, secured by a fresh five‑year agreement that will see the Istanbul Park circuit back in the limelight. The venue, which previously hosted the Turkish Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021 after the sport’s calendar was reshuffled due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, will now become a permanent fixture once again. This development places Istanbul alongside Portugal’s Portimão circuit as a returning track for the upcoming season.
The reshuffle also reflects broader changes to the global roster: the Dutch Grand Prix will be omitted after this year’s edition, while the iconic circuits at Barcelona and Spa‑Francorchamps will move to a bi‑annual rotation, alternating years to keep the schedule fresh. Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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 blend of historic heritage and a modern, forward‑looking approach to sport, business, and entertainment. Istanbul first entered the Formula 1 calendar in 2005 and quickly became known for its demanding Turn 8—a fast, sweeping left‑hand corner sequence that tests drivers’ neck muscles with sustained high‑g forces. The circuit’s reputation grew after Brazilian driver Felipe Massa secured three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008.
It also witnessed a dramatic collision between Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in 2010, a reminder of the track’s unforgiving nature. After a period of absence following the 2011 season, the Grand Prix returned in 2020 as part of a revised schedule. That race is remembered for Lewis Hamilton’s record‑tying seventh world championship, achieved in a chaotic, rain‑soaked environment that highlighted both driver skill and strategic acumen. The following year, 2021, saw another rain‑affected showdown, with Valtteri Bottas taking the checkered flag for his most recent Formula 1 victory.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the news, describing the nation’s re‑entry as a testament to Turkey’s organizational strength, modern sports and healthcare facilities, and the renowned hospitality of its people. He pledged that the country would deliver a flawless event, as it had in previous years. The inclusion of Turkey brings the total number of circuits with confirmed contracts for the 2027 season to twenty‑four.
Historically, the last three Formula 1 calendars—including the original schedule for this year—have also featured twenty‑four rounds, meaning that any additional venues are unlikely to appear until at least the 2028 season. Potential new locations have been discussed, such as a race in Bangkok, Thailand, and a return to Africa.
The African continent last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa, and while there have been repeated attempts to revive an African round, none have materialised so far. Stefano Domenicali met with Rwandan officials in 2024 to explore the possibility of a future 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 an outspoken advocate for an African Grand Prix. In a recent interview, he explained that he intends to remain in the sport until a race is held on African soil, noting that he has been lobbying Formula 1 leadership for the past seven years.
Hamilton highlighted his personal connection to the continent, saying, "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 sense of urgency, fearing that time may run out before he retires. Hamilton also expressed admiration for several African destinations, mentioning Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa as places he would love to see host a Grand Prix.
"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," he said, underscoring the continent’s potential to deliver memorable racing experiences. Beyond the excitement of the Turkish return, the upcoming Formula 1 season will kick off with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1‑3, featuring the second Sprint weekend of the year. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports F1, and the broadcaster also offers a flexible streaming option through its NOW service, which requires no long‑term contract and can be cancelled at any time. In summary, the five‑year deal that brings Istanbul Park back to the Formula 1 calendar from 2027 marks a significant milestone for both the sport and Turkey.
The circuit’s storied history, challenging layout, and the city’s unique cultural position make it a valuable addition to the global roster. As the sport continues to evolve, discussions about new venues—especially in Africa—remain active, with high‑profile drivers like Hamilton championing the cause. Meanwhile, fans worldwide can look forward to a packed schedule that balances tradition with fresh opportunities, beginning with the high‑octane excitement of Miami and culminating in the return of Turkish racing under the iconic lights of Istanbul.