F1 confirms Turkish GP return to Istanbul Park from 2027

Formula 1 will return to Istanbul Park in 2027 under a new five-year deal, bringing the Turkish Grand Prix back to the calendar for the first time since its chaotic, pandemic-era appearances. The announcement, made with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signals a long-term commitment to a circuit beloved by drivers for its technical challenge, most notably the legendary Turn 8.

Why it matters:

The return of the Turkish Grand Prix on a stable, multi-year contract ends years of uncertainty and sporadic appearances driven by crisis. It strengthens F1's calendar diversity by reinstating a classic, driver-favorite circuit in a key Eurasian market, moving beyond the stop-gap role it played during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Turkey, it represents a major sporting and promotional victory, aiming to cement Istanbul's status as a global destination.

The details:

• The new agreement is a five-year contract, securing the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park from 2027 through 2031.
• The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, first hosted F1 in 2005 and quickly became famous for its demanding, multi-apex Turn 8, one of the most challenging corners in the sport.
• Its initial stint ended after 2011 due to financial disputes between race promoters and F1 management over hosting fees and promotion.
• Turkey returned as a emergency replacement during the COVID-19 disrupted seasons of 2020 and 2021, but those events were marked by extreme conditions. The 2020 race was run on a newly laid—and notoriously slippery—track surface in wet weather, creating a dramatic "ice rink" spectacle. The 2021 event faced repeated schedule changes due to travel restrictions before finally going ahead.
• The official announcement was celebrated with a demonstration run by VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda through central Istanbul, culminating in a meeting with President Erdoğan, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to 2027, giving promoters and the circuit several years to prepare for a proper, planned return. This extended lead time should allow for any necessary facility upgrades and robust event promotion, aiming to avoid the operational and financial issues that plagued its earlier tenure. For F1, it adds another established and exciting circuit to the future roster, providing fans with the prospect of seeing modern cars tackle one of the calendar's most iconic technical challenges on a permanent basis.