F1 Confirms Turkey Return with Istanbul Park Deal Through 2031

F1 Confirms Turkey Returns in Deal Through 2031Pool - Getty Images

Formula 1 will return to Turkey’s Istanbul Park from 2027 on a five-year deal, championship organizers announced Friday.

Turkey initially joined Formula 1’s calendar in 2005 at the purpose-built Istanbul Park, and the circuit’s layout was revered by drivers, most prominently the four-apex high-speed Turn 8.

The event dropped from the calendar after 2011, amid financial issues and poor attendance, and a return appeared an improbable proposition across the remainder of the decade.

Turkey was a surprise returnee across 2020/21, when Formula 1 was seeking suitable venues at which to race during the pandemic, but it was unable to secure a spot on the schedule thereafter.

Discussions have been ongoing between Formula 1 and officials in Turkey for a prolonged period, and a five-year deal has now been reached, restoring Istanbul Park to the schedule from 2027.

“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,” said Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

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“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.”

Turkey’s return effectively finalizes the events on the 2027 schedule.

Turkey’s comeback, and the return of Portugal’s Portimao on a two-year deal, comes at the expense of grands prix in the Netherlands and Barcelona.

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will be discontinued after 2026 while Barcelona will enter into a rotation deal with Belgium from 2027 (Belgium 2027, 2029, 2031; Barcelona 2028, 2030, 2032).