On Friday afternoon it has been confirmed that the Turkish GP returns to the F1 calendar, starting in 2027. A five-year contract agreement has been reached.
The history of the F1 Turkish GP
Istanbul Park first appeared on the calendar in 2005 and it immediately captured the hearts of almost everyone in the sport due to its many challenges, particularly turn 8. Kimi Räikkönen of McLaren won the first Grand Prix there after a thrilling lap one duel with the Renaults.
There has been plenty of other memorable moments from the F1 Turkish GPs held between 2005-2011, as well as 2020 and 2021
- Massa’s first win and Alonso versus Schumacher (2006)
- Vettel crashes into Red Bull teammate Webber as they battle for the win (2010)
- Lance Stroll’s first pole; Lewis Hamilton claims seventh Drivers’ Championship (2020)
- Valtteri Bottas’ last F1 win (2021)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, said:
“Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.
“In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base.
“The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media.
“We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021.
“Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high-quality races between 2027 and 2031.
“I regard Türkiye’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.
“As Türkiye, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.
“I hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said:
“We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1. 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.
“I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return. Many memorable moments have been made in our sport’s history at Istanbul Park and I’m excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership, giving fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible racing in a truly fantastic location.”
His Excellency, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
“Formula 1’s return to Türkiye is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.
“My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). Through this strong collaboration we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”
Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), said:
“I am very pleased to share that thanks to the unwavering support of our State and intensive efforts, we take great pride in announcing that we have secured the return of Formula 1 Turkish GP. In this regard, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Our President, our Minister of Youth and Sports, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as their respective ministries, for their invaluable support. We also extend our sincere thanks to the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile FIA, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem and CEO of Formula 1, Mr. Stefano Domenicali.
“Preparations are already well underway for the race, scheduled for 2027. Thanks to utilising full strength of our State, we will work tirelessly to host an organisation worthy of Türkiye and Istanbul, performed in front of packed grandstands.”
