Formula 1 will return to Turkey’s Istanbul Park circuit from 2027 as part of a new five-year agreement, confirming the Turkish Grand Prix’s place on the calendar through the 2031 season.
The announcement was made on April 24, 2026, with Formula 1 stating that Istanbul Park will host the Turkish Grand Prix for five consecutive years beginning in 2027. The agreement follows the circuit’s previous tenure on the F1 calendar from 2005 to 2011, and its return for the 2020 and 2021 seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Istanbul Park, located in the Tuzla district on the Asian side of Istanbul, was designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke and opened in August 2005. The 5.338-kilometre track features 14 turns and is known for its dramatic elevation changes and technically demanding layout, particularly the multi-apex Turn 8, which has become a signature challenge for drivers.
The circuit has hosted nine Formula One Grands Prix to date. Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holds the record for most victories at Istanbul Park with three consecutive wins from 2006 to 2008 while driving for Ferrari. Other former winners include Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and Valtteri Bottas.
Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh World Drivers’ Championship at Istanbul Park in 2020, equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time record at the time. The most recent winner at the venue was Valtteri Bottas, who won the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix driving for Mercedes.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s Chief Executive Officer, commented on the return, stating that the circuit has hosted many unforgettable moments in the sport’s history and expressing enthusiasm for the next chapter of the partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience more incredible races at a truly fantastic location.
The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will serve as Formula 1’s delivery partner for the future events at Istanbul Park, working with Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, which facilitated the new agreement.
Turkey is not the only circuit making a return to the Formula 1 calendar in the near term. The Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, will also host Formula 1 events in the 2026 and 2027 seasons, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort during that period.
Istanbul Park has previously hosted a variety of international motorsport events beyond Formula One, including the WTCC Race of Turkey, FIA World Rallycross Championship rounds, World Series by Renault, International GT Open, and the European Truck Racing Championship, among others.
The circuit holds FIA Grade 1 certification for Grand Prix events and has a spectator capacity of 125,000. It’s operated by the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation as of June 2025, following previous management periods by Intercity, Bernie Ecclestone’s entity, and FİYAŞ.
The return of Formula 1 to Istanbul Park marks a significant renewal of the sport’s presence in a region that bridges Europe and Asia, continuing a relationship that began nearly two decades ago with the circuit’s inaugural Turkish Grand Prix in 2005.
Fans can follow official updates through Formula 1’s website and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation’s channels as preparations for the 2027 Turkish Grand Prix progress.
