It’s official, Formula 1 will return to Portimao for the F1 Portuguese GP in 2027.
Following a 24-year break, Portugal regained its place on the calendar in 2020 during the pandemic. After 11 years of racing at Estoril in the 1980s and 1990s, Portimao hosted the F1 Portuguese GP races in 2020 and 2021.
In the 2020 edition, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton made more history. He took a 92nd career win. That moved him one ahead of Michael Schumacher at the time.
The Brit has gone on to claim another 13 wins since. That includes a victory at the Portuguese venue the following season. Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen joined him on the podium in both.
Speaking in August, Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro was very open in his ambitions about bringing Formula 1 back to the Southern European nation.
“One of the circumstances that most contributes to promoting this region is major events,“ Luis Montenegro said. “We have secured the MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycling event, for 2025 and 2026.
“And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve next year, in 2027.
“These events require some financial effort on the part of the government, but they have a direct financial return and an indirect promotional return that are, quite frankly, well worth it.”
MotoGP has been a permanent fixture at this venue since they also used the circuit during the pandemic years. Miguel Oliveira, Fabio Quartararo, Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi have all won races at the Portimao circuit over the last 5 years.
The F1 Portuguese GP returns to the calendar with a two-year contract
The F1 Portuguese GP at Portimao returns to the Formula 1 calendar with a two-year agreement, starting in 2027.
Speaking about Portimao’s return, Stefano Domenicali said: “I’m delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase. The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.”
“The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa, for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal.”
“I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”
Alongside Domenicali, Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, added:
“Portugal is back on the Formula 1 map. The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain – from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs – projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination.”
“Hosting the Grand Prix in the Algarve reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies. This will be an event that, in addition to being a source of prestige for our country, will enhance Portugal’s image throughout the world.”
Chairman and CEO of Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Jaime Costa, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community.”
“This achievement was only made possible with the continuous support – since the beginning – of the Portuguese Government. Portimão’s unique “rollercoaster” layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love.”
“We look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track.”
