Istanbul returns to F1 calendar from 2027 onwards

The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 after securing a five-year deal.

Having lobbied for a permanent spot on the F1 schedule since its two-year stint as COVID-enforced replacement races in 2020 and 2021, Istanbul Park will welcome back grand prix racing from next year following a deal agreed between series bosses, the Turkish government and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation.

The deal was announced by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, with its exact dates in the 2027 calendar yet to be confirmed.

F1 is set to keep the 2027 calendar capped at 24 rounds, having declared that is the maximum comfortable number of events per season in agreement with teams and other stakeholders, meaning next year’s schedule is complete.

Next year F1 will have neither the Dutch GP (contract expired) nor the Barcelona GP (contract rotational), and instead gain the Turkish GP and Portuguese GP. All other rounds remain contracted and unchanged for 2027.

“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1,” F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali said.

Start: Giancarlo Fisichella passes Kimi Raikkonen for the lead

Photo by: Ferrari Media Center

“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.

“I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdogan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return.

“Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”

The Turkish GP has been held nine times in F1 history; from 2005-11 and then in 2020-21 as COVID replacement races. At the 2020 race, Lewis Hamilton took victory to secure a record-equalling seventh F1 world title, while Felipe Massa holds the record for most Turkish GP wins with three (2006-08).

The return of the Turkish GP also appears to signal any new events will need to wait until at least 2028 to join the F1 calendar given the 24-race limit set out, despite recent interest from several nations including Argentina and Thailand.

However, currently it is only the Las Vegas GP which has a contract set to expire in 2027, but it seems unlikely that F1’s first in-house event will be dropped after just five years given the commercial incentive linked to the US race.