Istanbul Park is coming back to F1, and now is the time.
Formula 1 will return to Türkiye as the Turkish Grand Prix makes its return to the Istanbul Park Circuit. The event will take place in 2027 and will be part of the calendar for a five-year tenure until 2031. Formula 1 announced this on Friday.
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History of F1 in Türkiye
The Turkish Grand Prix last appeared on the calendar in 2020 and 2021. It was a race that surprised everyone and instantly gained huge popularity, and it looks like it will remain a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar. Lewis Hamilton won at the track in wet and humid conditions in 2020.
From 2005 to 2011 the Turkish Grand Prix was held at the Istanbul Park Circuit, one of the most spectacular designs on the F1 calendar. Since 2012, the event has not been held due to a dispute between F1 and Turkish organizers over hosting fees. Both sides lost, and it is hard to understand why they could not compromise. Because they failed to do so, F1 has had to race on some very poor circuits in recent years.
Why the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park matters
This 3.3-mile road course has many elevation changes and is a very challenging track for drivers. Turn 8 is still the most famous corner on the track and the one most drivers miss. That long, slow-developing left arm demands more and more commitment until it's too late to bail.
The Turkish race joins the Portugal race in Portimão, filling the void left by Zandvoort. Additionally, Barcelona and Spa will now alternate every other year, for better or for worse.
Turkey's return to the calendar means every race on the 2027 F1 schedule is now contracted and held on licensed tracks, with the 2023 calendar now complete. Although it may seem like a closed book, there is room in the 2028 program for a return to Africa – possibly in a different location.
Istanbul has finally been added to the list. It took a long time, but it was worth it to get there.
