Turkey returns to F1 calendar in long-term deal for Istanbul Park race

Istanbul Park will return to the F1 calendar next year (Formula 1)

Turkey will return to the Formula 1 calendar next year in a five-year deal.

A slot on the 2027 schedule – which is expected to be 24 races again – opened up after Zandvoort confirmed this year’s grand prix would be their last and with Barcelona moving to a rotational agreement alongside Spa-Francorchamps.

While a two-year deal with Portugal took one of those vacancies, Turkey have long been pushing for a return to the popular 5.33km Istanbul Park, which last hosted a race in 2021. Most famously, it was where Lewis Hamilton sealed his record-equalling seventh F1 world championship in 2020.

A host of countries have shown interest in hosting a race, such as South Africa, Rwanda and South Korea, but a return to Istanbul has now been formalised.

On Friday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the fresh contract – from 2027-2031 – and insists his country will produce a “flawless organisation in every respect.”

“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies,” he said. “In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups - especially among our youth - with a truly passionate fan base.

“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.