Formula One has announced the return of the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park to its calendar in 2027 as part of a multi-year contract. The circuit has been well-known as the venue where Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh championship win in 2020.
The circuit is slated to remain on the F1 calendar until 2031 after F1 signed a new agreement with Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Cadillac F1 team’s Valtteri Bottas was the most recent driver to win at Istanbul Park in 2021, when he raced for Mercedes alongside Hamilton.
The 5.33-kilometer circuit made its F1 debut in 2005, and soon became popular as a technical track, given its “dramatic elevation changes.”
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Turkey has hosted F1 nine times, with Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holding the record for having the most wins at Istanbul Park.
With the premier class of motorsport having a huge fan following in the country, growing by 25% year-on-year on Instagram, the renewed partnership will make headlines in the years to come.
Speaking on the return of the Turkish Grand Prix, the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said:
“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.
“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base. The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.
“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of nine times: seven races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.
“I regard Turkey’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.
“As Turkey, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past. I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.
“I hope that Turkey’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said:
“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkey and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.
“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 Erdoğan, 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.