Formula 1 News: Turkey signs new agreement to host F1 from 2027
Istanbul, Turkey – April 24, 2026 – Formula 1 has officially confirmed the return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, with Istanbul Park set to host races from 2027 through the 2031 season as part of a new five-year agreement.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
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The announcement, made in partnership with Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, marks the circuit’s comeback after a five-year absence. The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will serve as Formula 1’s official delivery partner for the events.
Istanbul Park first joined the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly gained acclaim as one of the sport’s most technically demanding and exciting venues. The 5.338-kilometer track, designed with dramatic elevation changes, has long been a favorite among drivers for its challenging layout—most notably the legendary multi-apex Turn 8, a sweeping left-hander that tests precision, commitment, and high-speed balance.
The Turkish Grand Prix last ran in 2020 and 2021 as a late addition to the calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh Drivers’ Championship title at the circuit in 2020, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record, while Valtteri Bottas secured victory in 2021. Over its history, Turkey has hosted nine Grands Prix, with Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holding the record for the most wins at the venue (three consecutive triumphs from 2006 to 2008 while racing for Ferrari). Other past winners include Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the circuit’s appeal and the cultural significance of the host city.
“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,” 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.”
He extended thanks to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and TOSFED for their support.
President Erdoğan welcomed the news, emphasizing Turkey’s passionate fan base and organizational capabilities.
“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies,” Erdoğan stated. “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.”
He added that Istanbul Park, renowned for Turn 8, will once again host “five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031,” describing the return as a sign of international confidence in Turkey’s infrastructure and hospitality.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the move as a reflection of the sport’s global growth.
“Formula 1’s return to Turkey is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport,” he said. “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.”
TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı expressed pride in the achievement and confirmed that preparations are already underway for 2027.
“We will work tirelessly to host an organization worthy of Turkey and Istanbul, performed in front of packed grandstands,” he said.
The return aligns with Formula 1’s strong momentum in the Turkish market, where the sport boasts more than 19 million fans and has seen significant social media growth, including a 25% year-on-year increase in Instagram followers and 107% growth in YouTube views.
The exact date for the 2027 Turkish Grand Prix on the calendar has not yet been announced, but it will slot into the existing 24-race schedule as existing contracts expire or rotate. The deal solidifies Istanbul Park’s place as a long-term fixture and signals continued expansion of Formula 1 into key international markets.
Fans and teams alike have long praised Istanbul Park for delivering competitive, wheel-to-wheel racing, and its return is expected to generate significant excitement in the region and beyond.