Formula 1 has announced the return of a fan-favourite track to the calendar from 2027. The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2027, with Istanbul Park confirmed as the official track. Following a new five-year agreement with Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Istanbul Park will host the Turkish Grand Prix from 2027 through the 2031 season.
Istanbul Park Circuit overview
Opened in 2005, Istanbul Park Circuit is widely considered one of the most technically demanding but rewarding circuits. The track stretches 5.338 Km and consists of a total of 14 turns. It is also one of the few circuits that run anticlockwise. A key feature of the track is the dramatic elevation variation that poses the biggest challenge to both drivers and the cars.
The main highlight of the Istanbul Park Circuit is the multi-apex Turn 8 that features a long, sweeping left-hander. This challenges the driver’s precision as they have to be able to maintain speed and balance to complete the turn successfully while they pull massive lateral G-force.
The Istanbul Park Circuit has hosted a total of nine Grand Prix thus far and is a venue loved by teams, drivers and fans alike. The track record for most victories at Istanbul Park belongs to Brazillian driver Felipe Massa, who took three consecutive wins from 2006 to 2008 with Ferrari. Other drivers who made it to the top step at the Turkish Grand Prix are Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen. At the 2020 F1 Turkish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton also won his seventh F1 Drivers’ Championship with Mercedes.
The last time Formula 1 visited Turkey
The last F1 Turkish Grand Prix was held in 2021. Ex-Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has won the race alongside teammate Hamilton. Hamilton and Bottas are the only drivers who have won the Turkish Grand Prix on the current grid.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey on the five-year agreement
“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.
“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base. The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.
“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of nine times: seven races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.
“I regard Turkey’s return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity, in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation.
“As Turkey, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past. I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.
“I hope that Turkey’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, on the sport returning to Turkey for the Turkish Grand Prix
“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Turkey and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.
“As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.
“I want to thank His Excellency President Mr Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return.
“Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, on the significance of the Turkish Grand Prix
“Formula 1’s return to Turkey is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.
“My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED).
“Through this strong collaboration we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Turkey, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”
Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), welcomes Formula 1 back to Turkey
“I am very pleased to share that thanks to the unwavering support of our State and intensive efforts, we take great pride in announcing that we have secured the return of Formula 1 Turkish GP. In this regard, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Our President, our Minister of Youth and Sports, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as their respective ministries, for their invaluable support.
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile FIA, His Excellency Mr Mohammed Ben Sulayem and CEO of Formula 1, Mr Stefano Domenicali.
“Preparations are already well underway for the race, scheduled for 2027. Thanks to utilising full strength of our State, we will work tirelessly to host an organisation worthy of Turkey and Istanbul, performed in front of packed grandstands.”
