Turkey
Formula One fans have a major reason to celebrate as the legendary Istanbul Park circuit officially returns to the global racing calendar. The Turkish presidency confirmed that a long-term agreement has been reached to host the Turkish Grand Prix for at least five years, starting in 2027. The news marks the end of a determined, years-long campaign by Turkey to bring the pinnacle of motorsport back to its shores.
President Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to announce the full details of the deal alongside F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. While financial specifics are still being finalized, the return is seen as a massive victory for Turkish sports tourism. The circuit, famous for its high-speed “Turn 8,” has not hosted a race since 2021, when it served as a successful replacement during the pandemic.
The path back to the calendar was not easy. High hosting fees and stiff competition from wealthy venues like Qatar initially slowed progress. However, a new 30-year operating lease signed in 2024 by Turkish business leaders paved the way for this comeback. The deal ensures that the track will receive necessary upgrades to meet modern F1 standards by 2027.
With the current F1 season capped at 24 races, Istanbul Park is expected to enter a rotation with existing European tracks. For drivers and fans alike, the return of this technical and challenging circuit is a welcome addition, promising to bring elite racing back to the heart of Istanbul.