/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2Ffanf1%2F2026%2F04%2Fovertake-romain-mathon-55207-1024-1.jpg)
This is a return that will appeal to purists… and put a smile on the faces of tire engineers. Formula 1 has officially confirmed the return of the Turkish Grand Prix starting in 2027, with an agreement running through 2031. Yes, Istanbul Park is officially back on the calendar.
The agreement was reached with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, with logistical support from the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation. A clear, stable framework—and, above all, one built for the long term.
Turkey is no stranger to the paddock: nine Grand Prix races have already been held there, including the two unique editions in 2020 and 2021, right in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Two races that remain etched in memory, particularly the 2020 race where Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world title, tying Michael Schumacher. Not exactly a minor footnote.
A track that means business
Istanbul Park is a driver's circuit. Undulating terrain, technical sequences, and above all that famous Turn 8—a long left-hand curve with multiple apexes that tests the car's balance… and your neck.
But to reduce Istanbul to just this one corner would be almost unfair. Between a downhill Turn 1 reminiscent of certain classic circuits and a long straight ideal for overtaking, the track offers a rare combination: technical, fast, and demanding. In short, anything but a walk in the park.
A winner's list that screams champion
The most recent winner? Valtteri Bottas in 2021, with Mercedes. Along with Hamilton, he is one of only two current drivers to have won there.
But the king of Istanbul remains Felipe Massa, a three-time consecutive winner between 2006 and 2008 with Ferrari. Behind him, a lineup of heavyweights: Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button. In other words, Istanbul doesn't choose its winners at random.
A little tidbit for stats enthusiasts: this is also where Lance Stroll secured his first F1 pole position. It just goes to show that this circuit sometimes likes to shake up the hierarchy.
And this return isn't just about nostalgia. F1 has a solid foundation in Turkey: over 19 million fans and rapidly growing digital engagement. The interest is real, and it's growing fast—much like everywhere else in the world since the release of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive."
A strategic decision
On the organizational side, satisfaction is evident. Stefano Domenicali praises the challenging circuit and a city at the crossroads of cultures, while Mohammed Ben Sulayem sees this return as a strong signal of the championship's global expansion.
The same sentiment is echoed on the Turkish side, where Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlights the sport's popularity and the country's ability to host major events.
See you in 2027
We'll have to wait a while longer before seeing F1 cars dive into Turn 8 again, due to the calendar. The exact date of the race isn't known yet—classic suspense—but one thing is certain: Istanbul Park is set to become a major event once again.
