Turkey to return to Formula One fold in 2027

AFP
By AFP April 25, 2026 11:00 (EAT)
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McLaren's British driver Lando Norris finishes third to win the world champion title during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 7, 2025. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / POOL / AFP)

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The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the Formula One calendar in 2027 after a six-year hiatus, it was announced on Friday.

The race, which was held from 2005-2011 and then 2020-21, will take place on the Istanbul Park circuit.

This time around, it is guaranteed a run of at least five years.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched the event on Friday to celebrate the announcement.

A Formula One car was driven by Yuki Tsunoda along the streets of Istanbul, starting from the city's main cruise port, Galataport and ending its journey at the Presidential Office in Dolmabahce.

Also in attendance were Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

"The return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar is a victory for Turkiye's passion and belief in sport," said Erdogan.

"The Formula 1 races to be held at Istanbul Park for at least five years will both support İstanbul's leading position in the world and demonstrate to the world that our country is the safe haven of its region."

In November 2020, Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world title in a chaotic rain-hit race in Turkey, equalling the record set by Michael Schumacher.

"Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history," Ben Sulayem said in an FIA statement.

He said that Turkey's reappearance on the schedule was "a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport".

The 2027 season will see the return of the Turkish and Portuguese Grands Prix, while the Dutch Grand Prix will drop off the calendar.

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