Formula 1 will return to Türkiye in 2027 after a six-year absence, with Istanbul Park officially included on the world championship calendar and set to host high-profile races for five consecutive seasons.

The Turkish Grand Prix will mark its 10th Formula 1 race when engines roar again at the 5.3-kilometre Istanbul circuit next year, reviving one of the sport’s most popular modern venues.

Istanbul Park previously hosted races between 2005 and 2011 before making a temporary comeback during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Its return ends a long wait for Turkish motorsport fans and restores one of Formula 1’s most memorable tracks to the global calendar.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that the venue will host races from 2027 through 2031.

Speaking at an event at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Erdogan said the circuit would once again deliver “thrilling, high-quality races” and strengthen Türkiye’s role in global motorsport.

Five-year hosting deal confirmed

Erdogan said Türkiye, which he described as “a country of motorsports,” aims to deepen its partnership with Formula 1 in the coming years.

He noted that Formula 1 remains one of the world’s biggest sporting events and enjoys a large following in Türkiye, especially among young people.

The president said millions watch Formula 1 races in the country, while around 7.5 million users follow the sport on social media.

“We hosted Formula 1 a total of nine times,” Erdogan said, recalling the seven races held between 2005 and 2011 and the two pandemic-era editions.

He noted that the inaugural 2005 Turkish Grand Prix drew more than 110,000 spectators, setting a Republic-era attendance record.

Istanbul Park’s racing legacy

Brazil’s Felipe Massa remains the most successful driver in Turkish Grand Prix history, winning three straight races for Ferrari in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Lewis Hamilton claimed two wins in Türkiye, including his iconic 2020 victory when he secured his seventh world championship to equal Michael Schumacher’s record.

Valtteri Bottas won the most recent Turkish Grand Prix in 2021 for Mercedes.

The first-ever Formula 1 race in Istanbul was won by Kimi Raikkonen in 2005 while driving for McLaren-Mercedes.

Over nine previous races, 12 drivers reached the podium at Istanbul Park, including Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

With the return now confirmed, Istanbul Park is once again preparing to become one of Formula 1’s loudest and most electric stages.