Formula 1 will officially return to Turkey from 2027 following a new long‑term agreement with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, securing Istanbul Park on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar through the 2031 season.

The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) will serve as the delivery partner for all future events, marking the championship’s first visit to the country since 2021.

The announcement, made on Friday, confirms the revival of one of Formula 1’s most admired modern circuits. Istanbul Park, a 5.33‑kilometre, anti‑clockwise layout renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and the iconic multi‑apex Turn 8, has long been considered one of the most technically demanding venues in the sport. Since its debut in 2005, the circuit has produced memorable racing and a diverse list of winners.

Türkiye has hosted nine Grands Prix to date—seven between 2005 and 2011, and two during the COVID‑impacted 2020 and 2021 seasons. The most recent winner at Istanbul Park is Valtteri Bottas, who dominated the 2021 race for Mercedes.

Sir Lewis Hamilton famously clinched his record‑equalling seventh World Championship at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, a moment that cemented the circuit’s place in modern F1 history. Felipe Massa remains the most successful driver at the venue with three consecutive victories from 2006 to 2008.

The sport’s popularity in Turkey has surged in recent years, with Formula 1 reporting more than 19 million fans nationwide and over 7.5 million social‑media followers. Instagram engagement has grown by 25% year‑on‑year, while YouTube views have risen by 107%, underscoring the country’s expanding and youthful fan base.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the agreement, emphasising both the national enthusiasm for Formula 1 and Türkiye’s readiness to host world‑class sporting events: “Formula 1 ranks among the world’s foremost sporting events, distinguished by its spectacle, its young fan base, and its leadership in automotive technologies.

"In our country, too, Formula 1 enjoys a broad following across all age groups – especially among our youth – with a truly passionate fan base.

"The races reach nearly 19 million people in our country, while around 7.5 million follow them closely on social media. We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021.

"Istanbul Park – particularly famous for its Turn 8 and a favourite among racing enthusiasts – will, Inshallah, once again host five seasons of exciting, high‑quality races between 2027 and 2031.

"I regard Türkiye’s return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong confidence placed in our country – in our robust organisational capacity; in our modern sports and healthcare infrastructure, and, of course, in the renowned hospitality of the Turkish Nation.

"As Türkiye, we will once again fulfil this trust by delivering a flawless organisation in every respect, just as we have done in the past.

I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who has contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country and to Istanbul.

I hope that Türkiye’s partnership with Formula 1 – as a country of motorsport – will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the return of Istanbul Park and highlighted the city’s unique cultural and sporting appeal: “We are delighted to be returning to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027 to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world on one of the most exciting and challenging circuits in Formula 1.

"As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward‑thinking approach to sport, business, and entertainment.

"I want to thank His Excellency President Mr. Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing Formula 1’s return.

"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.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasised the strategic importance of Türkiye’s return and the strong collaboration behind the agreement: “Formula 1’s return to Türkiye is a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am delighted to see the Turkish Grand Prix rejoin the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar.

"Istanbul Park is a circuit that holds a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underlines our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets.

"My thanks to His Excellency, President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to Eren Üçlertoprağı, President of FIA Member Club, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED).

"Through this strong collaboration we are not only securing the long‑term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye, but also supporting the continued development of motorsport, strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”

TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı expressed pride in securing the Grand Prix’s return and confirmed that preparations for 2027 have already begun: “I am very pleased to share that thanks to the unwavering support of our State and intensive efforts, we take great pride in announcing that we have secured the return of Formula 1 Turkish GP.

"In this regard, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Our President, our Minister of Youth and Sports, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as their respective ministries, for their invaluable support.

"We also extend our sincere thanks to the President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile FIA, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem and CEO of Formula 1, Mr. Stefano Domenicali.

"Preparations are already well underway for the race, scheduled for 2027. Thanks to utilising full strength of our State, we will work tirelessly to host an organisation worthy of Türkiye and Istanbul, performed in front of packed grandstands.”