Istanbul Park is back: F1 makes blockbuster return to Turkey in 2027 with a five year deal

 

Formula One (F1), Turkey’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) with statements from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in addition to FIA (Federation International L’Automobile) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Have announced a new five year agreement confirming the return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the F1 World Championship with Istanbul Park locked onto the calendar. Istanbul Park, Turkey – the 5.33 km circuit famous for turn eight and its demanding elevation changes with the race returning from 2027 running through the 2031 season.

Seeing as F1 sees Turkey as a growing, strategically important market with a large, young fanbase: the government and TOSFED pushed for the return as well as the circuit is widely regarded as one of the most exciting plus challenging venues in the sport.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One said: “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.”

The Turkish Grand Prix was last staged in 2020 and 2021 when Lewis Hamilton secured his sevenths Drivers’ Championship in 2020 equalling Michael Schumacher’s all time record.

Istanbul Park first joined the F1 calendar in 2005 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the championship’s most technically demanding tracks.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President added: “Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula One history and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.”

The 5.33 kilometre layout features dramatic elevation changes that both driver skill and car performance. The multi-apex turn eight is an incredible test of driver precision and commitment challenging their ability to maintain speed along with balance through its long sweeping left hander.

The most recent winner at Istanbul Park was Valterri Bottas in 2021 with Mercedes, who alongside Hamilton is one of only two current drivers to have won the Turkish Grand Prix.

Sulayem further commented: “Through this strong collaboration we are not only securing the long term future of Formula One in Turkey but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”

Brazilian driver Felipe Massa holds the record for the most victories at Istanbul Park taking three consecutive wins between 2006 and 2008 while driving for Ferrari, other drivers including Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel plus Jenson Button have also triumphed at the circuit.

By Charlie Gardner 

📸 Imagery courtesy of Formula One (F1)