Turkish Grand Prix Returns to F1 Calendar from 2027 in Historic 5-Year Deal
Synopsis
Formula 1 has confirmed the Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA World Championship from 2027, with Istanbul Park locked in through 2031. The deal, backed by President Erdoğan, revives one of motorsport's most iconic circuits — home to Lewis Hamilton's record-equalling 7th title and the legendary Turn 8.
Key Takeaways
Formula 1 has officially confirmed the Turkish Grand Prix will return in 2027 , with Istanbul Park on the calendar through the 2031 season under a new five-year deal.
The agreement was signed with Türkiye's Ministry of Youth and Sports , with TOSFED serving as Formula 1's official delivery partner for future events.
The Turkish Grand Prix was last held in 2020 and 2021 — the 2020 race saw Sir Lewis Hamilton claim his record-equalling seventh Drivers' Championship .
Felipe Massa holds the record for most wins at Istanbul Park with three consecutive victories (2006–2008) for Ferrari.
Formula 1's fanbase in Türkiye exceeds 19 million , with YouTube views up 107% and Instagram followers growing 25% year-on-year .
The return coincides with Formula 1's major 2027 technical regulation overhaul , promising a new era of racing at the legendary Turn 8 circuit.
Formula 1 has officially confirmed the return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the FIA Formula One World Championship starting 2027, with the iconic Istanbul Park circuit locked in through the 2031 season. The landmark deal was signed with Türkiye's Ministry of Youth and Sports, bringing one of motorsport's most beloved venues back to the global stage after a six-year absence. The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will serve as Formula 1's official delivery partner for all future events.
A Historic Return After Six-Year Hiatus
The Turkish Grand Prix was last held in 2020 and 2021, both editions taking place under extraordinary circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 race was particularly historic — it was the event where Sir Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh Drivers' World Championship, equalling Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The most recent race winner at Istanbul Park was Valtteri Bottas, driving for Mercedes in 2021.
Bottas and Hamilton remain the only two active drivers to have won the Turkish Grand Prix, adding a layer of nostalgia and competitive intrigue to the circuit's return. The announcement marks a significant moment not just for Türkiye, but for the global expansion strategy of Formula 1 under Liberty Media.
Istanbul Park — One of F1's Most Technically Demanding Circuits
Istanbul Park first joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2005 and rapidly built a reputation as one of the sport's most technically challenging venues. The 5.33-kilometre layout features dramatic elevation changes that test both driver skill and aerodynamic car setup. Its legendary multi-apex Turn 8 — a long, sweeping left-hander — is widely regarded as one of the greatest corners in motorsport history, demanding extraordinary precision, commitment, and car balance from drivers.
Türkiye has hosted nine Grands Prix in total — seven between 2005 and 2011, and two during the pandemic era. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holds the record for the most wins at Istanbul Park, having claimed three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008 while racing for Ferrari. Other champions who have triumphed at the circuit include Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button.
Key Statements from Formula 1 Leadership
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed strong enthusiasm for the return. Domenicali described Istanbul as "a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia" and praised the city's unique blend of history, tradition, and forward-thinking approach to sport and entertainment. He extended gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and TOSFED for their collaboration in securing the deal.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, called the return "a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal" of Formula 1. He specifically acknowledged TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı and stressed that the agreement not only secures F1's long-term future in Türkiye but also strengthens the foundations for sustainable motorsport development in the region.
President Erdoğan welcomed the return warmly, noting that Formula 1 reaches nearly 19 million people in Türkiye and that approximately 7.5 million fans follow the sport closely on social media. He described Türkiye's inclusion on the F1 calendar as "a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country" and pledged a flawless organisational delivery between 2027 and 2031.
Formula 1's Growing Footprint in Türkiye
The commercial case for Türkiye's return is compelling. Formula 1's fanbase in the country has surpassed 19 million, with social media followership reaching 7.5 million. Digital engagement has surged sharply — Instagram followers have grown by 25% year-on-year, while YouTube views have jumped by 107%, signalling a rapidly maturing and digitally engaged audience.
This growth aligns with Formula 1's broader global expansion under Liberty Media, which has aggressively pursued new markets, younger audiences, and high-profile urban venues. The addition of Istanbul Park to the calendar through 2031 reflects a strategic pivot to reconnect with established fan markets in Europe and Western Asia while maintaining momentum generated by the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
What This Means for the 2027 F1 Season and Beyond
The 2027 Formula 1 season is already shaping up to be transformative — it coincides with a major regulatory overhaul, with new technical regulations set to reshape car design, power unit architecture, and competitive dynamics across the grid. The return of Istanbul Park adds a high-prestige, fan-favourite venue to what promises to be one of the most consequential seasons in recent F1 history.
With the Turkish Grand Prix confirmed through 2031, teams, drivers, and fans can look forward to at least five editions of racing at one of the sport's most revered circuits. The legendary Turn 8 will once again serve as a defining moment in each race weekend, and with a new generation of cars under the 2027 regulations, the spectacle promises to be unlike anything seen at Istanbul Park before.
Point of View
Commands a fanbase of nearly 19 million, and offers the kind of state-backed organisational muscle that Liberty Media increasingly demands from host nations. What the mainstream narrative misses is the timing: this deal arrives as F1 faces growing scrutiny over calendar bloat and the sustainability of 24-race seasons. Adding Istanbul — a proven, beloved venue — signals that quality and fan loyalty still matter in the sport's expansion calculus. The real test will be whether the 2027 regulatory reset produces cars capable of doing justice to Turn 8's legendary demands.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Turkish Grand Prix return to Formula 1?
The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2027 , with Istanbul Park confirmed on the calendar through the 2031 season . This follows a new five-year agreement between Formula 1 and Türkiye's Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Why was the Turkish Grand Prix removed from the F1 calendar?
The Turkish Grand Prix was last held in 2020 and 2021 as a temporary addition during the COVID-19 pandemic when several regular venues were unavailable. It was not included in subsequent calendars due to contractual and scheduling factors, but a new long-term deal has now secured its return.
Who has won the most races at Istanbul Park?
Felipe Massa holds the record for the most victories at Istanbul Park, winning three consecutive races from 2006 to 2008 while driving for Ferrari . Other winners include Kimi Räikkönen , Sebastian Vettel , Jenson Button , Lewis Hamilton , and Valtteri Bottas .
What makes Istanbul Park special in Formula 1?
Istanbul Park is renowned for its 5.33-kilometre layout , dramatic elevation changes, and the legendary multi-apex Turn 8 — a long, sweeping left-hander considered one of the greatest corners in motorsport. The circuit tests both driver precision and car aerodynamic performance at the highest level.
How popular is Formula 1 in Türkiye?
Formula 1 has more than 19 million fans in Türkiye, with over 7.5 million social media followers . Digital engagement has grown sharply, with Instagram followers up 25% year-on-year and YouTube views increasing by 107% , making Türkiye one of the sport's fastest-growing markets.
