Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has revealed that Portugal is ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve International Circuit in 2027. Speaking on Thursday at the Festa do Pontal in Quarteira, the event marking the political re-entrée of the Social Democratic Party, he highlighted the region’s growing role in international motorsport, pointing to the MotoGP races already secured for 2025 and 2026. “I am in a position to tell you that we have everything ready to formalize the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve in 2027,” Montenegro said.
Economic and promotional value
Montenegro acknowledges that hosting such events requires significant state investment. However, he stressed that the benefits outweigh the costs. “These events involve some financial effort, but they will have a direct and indirect financial impact on promotion, which is truly worthwhile,” the Prime Minister explained.
Hosting an F1 race would boost the local economy by increasing hotel occupancy, restaurant sales, and overall tourism revenue.
Algrave International Circuit
Located in Portimão, Algarve region, the circuit was opened in 2008 and was approved by the FIA and FIM to host motorsport competitions of the highest level, such as Formula 1, MotoGP, World Endurance Championship, and the European Le Mans Series.
For Formula 1, the track is 4.653km, with 15 demanding turns and 2 DRS zones.
Portuguese Grand Prix history
The Portuguese Grand Prix first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 1958 at a street circuit in Porto, before moving to Lisbon’s Monsanto Park the following year. After a two-decade absence, it returned in 1984 at the Estoril Circuit, which hosted races until 1996.
The event witnessed some of the most iconic moments in Formula 1 history, from Niki Lauda’s and Alain Prost’s championship-deciding battle by the smallest point margin in F1 history, to Ayrton Senna’s first win in heavy rain, and David Coulthard’s first and only victory for Williams.
Following another long gap, Portugal rejoined the schedule in 2020 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão as part of a reshuffled pandemic calendar. The track also hosted the 2021 race, won by Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes, with Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas completing the podium.
The event was held under strict COVID-19 restrictions, impacting attendance and atmosphere, but still providing valuable exposure for the region.
If the bid is successful, the 2027 race would mark the sport’s return after a six-year absence. A confirmed return would once again place the Algarve on the global motorsport map, offering Portuguese fans the chance to see the world’s top drivers compete on home soil.
