Turkish Grand Prix returns to Formula 1 calendar
Formula 1 has confirmed the return of the Turkish Grand Prix, with Istanbul Park scheduled to host the race from Oct. 1-3, 2027.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council approved the 2027 Formula 1 calendar, which features 24 races across five continents.
Istanbul joins three-weekend stretch
The Turkish Grand Prix will form part of three consecutive race weekends.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku will take place from Sept. 24-26, followed by Istanbul from Oct. 1-3 and the Singapore Grand Prix from Oct. 8-10.
The 2027 season will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 12-14 and conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 10-12.
Portugal will also return to the calendar for the first time since 2021, with a race at the Algarve circuit in Portimao scheduled for June 18-20.
Five-year deal secures Istanbul return
Türkiye last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2021. Istanbul Park previously staged Grands Prix from 2005 to 2011 before returning during the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Under the new agreement, Türkiye will remain on the Formula 1 calendar through 2031 under a five-year deal, with the Turkish Motorsports Federation serving as the local organizing partner.
The 2027 race will be the 10th Formula 1 Grand Prix held at Istanbul Park.
Istanbul Park set for modernization
The circuit is approximately 5.3 kilometers long and is known for its elevation changes, overtaking opportunities and the multi-apex Turn 8, one of its most demanding sections.
TOSFED President Eren Uclertopragi said modernization work is already underway to bring the circuit in line with Formula 1 standards ahead of the race.
Felipe Massa holds the record for most Turkish Grand Prix victories at Istanbul Park, with three consecutive wins from 2006 to 2008. Valtteri Bottas won the most recent race at the circuit in 2021.
Sprint program expands in 2027
Formula 1 will increase the number of sprint weekends from six in 2026 to 10 in 2027.
Sprint events will be held in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Canada, Monaco, Britain, Italy, Brazil, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Monaco will stage a sprint for the first time.
Istanbul will not host a sprint weekend.
Formula 1 said sprint weekends have generated higher overall viewership than standard race weekends, with sprint qualifying attracting significantly more interest than practice sessions.
Officials welcome return
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the return of Türkiye and Portugal, as well as the expansion of the sprint program.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the 2027 calendar reflected the sport’s continued international growth while maintaining its sporting standards.
Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said the announcement marked a new stage in preparations and said Istanbul’s history, culture, gastronomy and lifestyle would be promoted alongside the race.
The Tourism Promotion and Development Agency has also released a promotional film for the event, titled “Catch It If You Can,” which organizers say has surpassed 300 million views.
Ticket registration is currently open through the official Turkish Grand Prix platform.
Source:AA
