Portimao replaces Zandvoort in major 2027 F1 calendar shake-up

In a move that signals a significant shift in the European landscape of Formula 1, the sport has officially confirmed that the Algarve International Circuit (Portimao) will return to the calendar for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

The announcement marks a changing of the guard, as the Portuguese venue is set to effectively replace the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will bow out of the championship following the conclusion of its contract in 2026. This decision brings an end to the "Orange Army" era that has defined the Dutch coastline since Max Verstappen's ascent to dominance, swapping the banked corners of the North Sea for the undulating "Rollercoaster" of the Algarve.

For fans and pundits alike, this is a bittersweet moment---a farewell to one of the sport's most atmospheric venues, but a welcome return for a modern circuit that instantly became a cult classic during its brief cameo in the pandemic-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021.

The breaking news: a two-year deal for Portugal

The confirmation came early Tuesday, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praising the passion of the Portuguese fanbase and the quality of the Portimao facility. The deal secures the Portuguese Grand Prix for a minimum of two seasons (2027 and 2028), with strong backing from the Portuguese government and the tourism sector, who view the event as a critical asset for the region's economy.

"We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal," stated Jaime Costa, CEO of the Algarve International Circuit. "Portimao's unique layout challenges the best drivers in the world, and we are ready to create new unforgettable moments."

The timing is decisive. With the F1 calendar increasingly squeezed by global expansion, the European leg has been under immense pressure to evolve. Zandvoort's organizers had previously indicated that extending beyond 2026 was financially and logistically uncertain, opting to end their run on a high rather than engaging in a bidding war they felt was unsustainable.

Why the swap? The economics of modern F1

To understand this switch, one must look beyond the tarmac. The departure of Zandvoort is not a failure of the event---far from it. Since its return in 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix has set the gold standard for fan engagement, festival atmosphere, and mobility logistics. However, the financial burden of hosting a Formula 1 race without significant state subsidy is immense.

Zandvoort's model was heavily reliant on private enterprise and ticket sales, driven by the Verstappen fever. With the current contract expiring in 2026, the promoters chose a dignified exit.

In contrast, Portimao's return is fueled by a strategic push from Lisbon. Much like the races in the Middle East or Baku, the Portuguese return is underpinned by a "country branding" strategy. The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion has explicitly linked the Grand Prix to Portugal's tourism recovery and global projection. For Formula 1, this offers a secure, government-backed European venue that requires no new infrastructure---a "plug-and-play" solution that fits perfectly into the 2027 slot.

Track analysis: Zandvoort vs. Portimao

From a sporting perspective, we are trading one "old school" style challenge for another, though their characteristics are distinct.

The exit: Zandvoort's tightrope

Zandvoort is defined by its unforgiving narrowness and its banking. Turns 3 (Hugenholtz) and 14 (Arie Luyendyk) offer unique camber that punishes mistakes and rewards bravery. It is a track where qualifying is king; overtaking is notoriously difficult, turning race days into strategic chess matches rather than wheel-to-wheel brawls.

The return: Portimao's elevation

Portimao, conversely, is defined by elevation change. It is not nicknamed "The Rollercoaster" lightly.

• Blind Crests: Several corners, particularly the exit of Turn 8 and the approach to Turn 11, are completely blind. Drivers must commit to the throttle before they can see the asphalt, relying on muscle memory and sheer nerve.

• The Final Plunge: The terrified, high-speed drop into the final Galp corner creates a unique slipstream opportunity onto the main straight, generally offering better overtaking prospects than Zandvoort's tight start-finish run.

• Technical Flow: While Zandvoort is stop-start-twist, Portimao flows. It requires a car with exceptional suspension compliance to handle the compression at the bottom of the hills and the unloading at the top.

Memories of the Algarve: 2020-2021

Portimao's previous stint on the calendar, though short, was historic. It was here in 2020 that Lewis Hamilton secured his 92nd career victory, surpassing Michael Schumacher's all-time win record. The image of Hamilton crossing the line, cramping in his cockpit after a masterclass in tyre preservation on a "green" track, remains iconic.

The 2021 race further solidified the track's reputation for unpredictability. Who can forget the opening laps where Carlos Sainz, on soft tyres, utilized the extra grip to wrestle his McLaren into the lead past the Mercedes duo? It highlighted how Portimao's low-grip surface (a key characteristic due to the fresh tarmac at the time) can scramble the competitive order, neutralizing car advantages and putting the spotlight firmly on the drivers.

The 2027 variable: new cars, old track

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this announcement is the timing. Formula 1 introduces a radical new set of technical regulations in 2026, featuring active aerodynamics and slightly smaller, lighter chassis.

By the time F1 arrives in Portimao in 2027, the teams will have one year of data with these new machines.

• Active Aero: Portimao's long main straight will be a prime zone for the new "X-Mode" (low drag) configuration, potentially making the run into Turn 1 a chaotic overtaking zone.

• Agility: The 2026 cars are designed to be more nimble. Portimao's technical infield (Sector 2) was often sluggish for the heavy, wide cars of the 2022-2025 era. The new generation of machinery should dance through the double-apex Turn 10/11 complex with far more aggression, potentially lowering lap times significantly compared to 2021.

Farewell to the orange smoke

We must take a moment to acknowledge what is being lost. The Dutch Grand Prix was more than a race; it was a phenomenon. The "Super Friday" concept, the DJ performances, and the sea of orange smoke created a benchmark for how modern promoters should run an event.

Max Verstappen, who will likely still be in his prime in 2027, will lose his home fortress. He has been undefeated at Zandvoort since its return, feeding off the energy of the crowd. Racing in Portugal will neutralize this home-field advantage. While Portuguese fans are passionate, the partisan wall of sound that greets Verstappen at Zandvoort is irreplaceable.

A win for racing purists?

The substitution of Zandvoort for Portimao is likely to be received positively by racing purists. While Zandvoort was an event, Portimao is a racetrack. The wider layout, the multiple racing lines created by the elevation, and the heavy braking zones suggest that the on-track product in 2027 and 2028 will be superior.

As we look toward the future, the 2027 season is shaping up to be a classic mixture of the new and the nostalgic. We lose the party in the dunes, but we gain the thrill of the drop. For a sport that thrives on spectacle, the Rollercoaster is the perfect place to land.