Turkey will return to the Formula 1 calendar next year in a five-year deal. A slot on the 2027 schedule – which is expected to be 24 races again – opened up after Zandvoort confirmed this year’s grand prix would be their last and with Barcelona moving to a rotational agreement alongside Spa-Francorchamps. While a two-year deal with Portugal took one of those vacancies, Turkey have long been pushing for a return to the popular 5.33km Istanbul Park, which last hosted a race in 2021.
Most famously, it was where Lewis Hamilton sealed his record-equalling seventh F1 world championship in 2020. A host of countries have shown interest in hosting a race, such as South Africa, Rwanda and South Korea, but a return to Istanbul has now been formalised.On Friday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the fresh contract – from 2027-2031 – and insists his country will produce a “flawless organisation in every respect.” “Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies,” he said.
“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups - especially among our youth - with a truly passionate fan base. “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 a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past. I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.”Lewis Hamilton sealed his seventh world title in Turkey in 2020 (Getty)Madrid will host a race for the first time this September with a semi-permanent street circuit in the Spanish capital.
Otherwise, with the likely re-inclusions of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (which were cancelled this month due to the ongoing turmoil in the Gulf), the 2027 destinations are expected to stay the same, with Turkey and Portugal replacing the Netherlands and Barcelona. Turkey has hosted nine grands prix in total, debuting in 2005. Valtteri Bottas won the last race in 2021.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1. “As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.”