Istanbul Park Secures Five-Year Formula 1 Comeback Starting in 2027
Formula 1 is set to make a highly anticipated return to Turkey after securing a new multi-year agreement. The Turkish Grand Prix will rejoin the world championship calendar in 2027 and remain a fixture until at least the 2031 season.
This long-awaited comeback was finalised alongside the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports with the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) stepping up as the official delivery partner for the upcoming events.
A driver favourite reborn
Istanbul Park initially debuted on the F1 schedule in 2005. The 5.33-kilometre circuit quickly established itself as a formidable challenge characterised by dramatic elevation changes and highly technical corners. It is perhaps best known for the legendary Turn 8 – a punishing multi-apex left-hander that tests the absolute limits of driver precision and car balance.
The venue last hosted the paddock during the pandemic-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021. The 2020 race cemented its place in motorsport history when Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh world title to equal Michael Schumacher‘s all-time record.
Valtteri Bottas claimed victory the following year for Mercedes. Both men are the only current competitors to boast a win in Turkey although retired Brazilian driver Felipe Massa remains the most successful at the track with three consecutive victories for Ferrari between 2006 and 2008.
Surging popularity
The decision to resurrect the Turkish Grand Prix reflects the sport’s booming popularity within the region. Formula 1 now boasts an estimated 19 mln fans across the nation alongside a massive digital footprint of over 7.5 mln social media followers. Recent statistics show a 25% year-on-year increase in Instagram followers and a staggering 107% jump in YouTube viewership.
Key figures welcome the deal
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed immense pride in the new agreement. He noted that the return of Formula 1 highlights international confidence in Turkey’s robust sporting infrastructure, modern facilities and famous hospitality. He promised that the nation would once again deliver a flawless event for both drivers and fans.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali echoed these positive sentiments by praising Istanbul as a vibrant cultural gateway connecting Europe and Asia. He thanked government officials for their dedicated support and shared his excitement about adding more memorable moments to the circuit’s rich history.
Meanwhile FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem viewed the comeback as proof of the championship’s ongoing expansion into dynamic global markets. TOSFED President Eren Uclertopragi confirmed that preparations for the 2027 race are already well underway as organisers look forward to hosting the world’s premier motorsport series in front of packed grandstands.
