The Istanbul Park Circuit in Turkey is set to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 under a new five-year agreement. This move rekindles interest in a track known for its thrilling layout and past dramatic races.
The Turkish Grand Prix is making its way back to the Formula 1 calendar starting in 2027, thanks to a freshly inked five-year deal with Turkey's Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Istanbul Park Circuit, which has been a fan favorite, will again host the spectacle of F1 racing.
The circuit, located about 45 kilometers from Istanbul, first opened its doors to F1 in 2005 and has hosted nine Grands Prix since. It briefly returned during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, with notable moments like Lewis Hamilton clinching his seventh drivers' title there. The track is often likened to iconic circuits such as Brazil's Interlagos and Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps, offering a challenging mix of elevation changes and corners.
Turn 8 is particularly renowned—a multi-apex, fast left-hander that demands precision and bravery from drivers. Meanwhile, Turn 1's sharp drop has drawn comparisons to the famous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. The circuit also includes a long back straight leading into Turn 12, a prime spot for overtaking, rounded off with a series of medium and slow-speed corners that test driver skill and car setup.
The last winner at Istanbul Park was Valtteri Bottas in 2021, who returned to F1 with Cadillac this season. Felipe Massa holds the record for the most wins at the venue, having triumphed in three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Other victors at the Turkish Grand Prix include world champions like Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button. Lance Stroll also made his mark here with his first—and so far only—pole position in F1.
Formula 1's return to Turkey is highly anticipated, with the sport's popularity soaring in the country. Over 19 million fans and a robust social media presence underscore F1's growing appeal. Instagram followers have seen a 25% increase annually, and YouTube views have more than doubled.
As for when exactly the race will fit into the 2027 calendar, fans will have to wait for the official schedule release. Until then, the anticipation builds for a return to one of F1's most exciting circuits.