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Formula 1 has officially confirmed the return of one of the sport’s most revered venues, with the Turkish Grand Prix set to rejoin the calendar in 2027. Following a six-year absence, the championship will return to the iconic Istanbul Park under a new five-year agreement that secures the circuit's place on the schedule through 2031.
Istanbul Park first established itself as a staple of the F1 calendar during its initial seven-year tenure from 2005 to 2011. The circuit quickly earned a reputation as a driver favorite, largely due to the technical challenge of its multi-apex, left-hand Turn 8. After its initial departure, the track proved its enduring value to the sport by stepping in to host races during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, providing critical support during the Covid-19 crisis.
The confirmation of this long-term return follows extensive, high-level negotiations between Formula 1, Istanbul Park officials, and Turkish authorities.
F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali expressed enthusiasm for the comeback, highlighting the unique nature of the venue. “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,” Domenicali said. “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.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem framed the return as a testament to the sport's expanding global footprint. “Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets,” he noted. He further emphasized that the collaboration with Turkish leadership, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation, is designed to foster sustainable growth for motorsport in the region.
President Erdoğan welcomed the announcement, viewing the five-year commitment as a validation of Turkey’s organizational capabilities. “I regard Türkiye’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,” said President Erdoğan. “As Türkiye, we will again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.”
With the contract locked in through 2031, the sport prepares to write the next chapter at a venue that has already provided many of the most memorable moments in modern Formula 1 history.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
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