Formula 1 Confirms Istanbul Park Return for Five-Year Deal Starting in 2027

Formula 1 officially announced on Friday, April 24, that the Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey will return to the championship calendar starting in 2027, under a five-year agreement running through 2031. The deal brings back one of the sport's most technically demanding venues after a gap of several years following its last appearance in 2021. The announcement was made by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who expressed enthusiasm for the circuit's return. Turkey joins a growing list of venues being reintegrated into the calendar as the sport expands its global footprint. The Istanbul Park circuit sits approximately forty kilometers from the city center, in the Asian part of the metropolis on the Bosphorus.

Domenicali cites unforgettable moments at Istanbul Park Domenicali issued two separate statements welcoming the return of the Turkish venue. „Many unforgettable moments have been written in the history of our sport at Istanbul Park, and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our partnership and giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing at a truly fantastic location” — Stefano Domenicali via SRF News In a separate statement, he added that the return would delight fans in Turkey and around the world with one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in the sport. „We are happy to return to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 and to delight all our fans in Turkey and around the world with one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1” — Stefano Domenicali via Franceinfo Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also welcomed the news, framing it as a vote of confidence in his country's organizational capacity. „I view the return of Turkey to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear expression of the great trust placed in our country – in our solid organizational capabilities, in our modern sports and health infrastructure, and of course in the famous hospitality of the Turkish people” — Recep Tayyip Erdogan via stern.de

The Istanbul Park Circuit hosted the Turkish Grand Prix for seven consecutive editions between 2005 and 2011, before being dropped from the regular calendar. The circuit returned during the Covid-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, when the standard calendar was disrupted and organizers sought alternative venues. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world championship title at Istanbul Park, equaling Michael Schumacher's record at the time. The 2021 race, the last held at the circuit before the current announcement, was won by Valtteri Bottas, then driving for Mercedes. The circuit's 5.33 (kilometers) — length of Istanbul Park Circuit layout is located in the eastern part of Istanbul.

Istanbul Park — Formula 1 History: — ; — ; — ; — ; —

Portimão also returns, replacing Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort Turkey is not the only circuit making a comeback on the Formula 1 calendar from 2027. The Portimão circuit in Portugal will also return to the schedule for the next two seasons, according to reports, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The Dutch Grand Prix had been a fixture on the modern calendar, drawing large crowds particularly due to the popularity of Dutch drivers. The simultaneous addition of both Turkey and Portugal signals a broader reshaping of the Formula 1 race calendar for the 2027 season and beyond. No further details on the Portimão agreement's length or financial terms were confirmed in the announcements made Friday.

McNish takes Audi Racing Director role from Miami Grand Prix In a separate development also announced Friday, the Audi Formula 1 team confirmed that Allan McNish, aged 56, will join the organization as Racing Director, effective from the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026. McNish, a Scottish former racing driver, will report directly to Mattia Binotto, who serves as CEO and Team Principal of the Audi F1 Project. McNish fills the position vacated by Jonathan Wheatley, who departed the team suddenly approximately one month before the announcement. The Audi team, which is the successor organization to Sauber, currently fields Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto as its two drivers in the 2026 championship. Binotto retains his dual role as both CEO and team principal alongside McNish's appointment as Racing Director.