It's official: Formula 1 is coming back to Istanbul. After years of rumours, stand-in appearances and false starts, the Turkish Grand Prix returns to the calendar from 2027, with Istanbul Park locked in for at least five years, through the 2031 season. Here's what was announced, why the track matters, and what it means for the city.
What was announced
In April 2026, Formula 1 and Turkey's Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed a five-year agreement returning the Turkish Grand Prix to the world championship from 2027 to 2031. The announcement came at a launch event at the Presidential Dolmabahce office in Istanbul, with F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali in attendance, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) named as the delivery partner.
Why Istanbul Park is a big deal
Istanbul Park isn't just another circuit returning for commercial reasons; drivers genuinely rate it. The 5.3-kilometre layout on the Asian side of the city is famous for its elevation changes and above all for Turn 8, a long, multi-apex left-hander that remains one of the most demanding corners in the sport. The track first hosted F1 from 2005 to 2011, then returned during the pandemic seasons of 2020 and 2021, when Lewis Hamilton clinched his record-equalling seventh world title there in the wet.
What it means for a race weekend in Istanbul
A Grand Prix weekend transforms a host city, and Istanbul is better set up for it than most: tens of thousands of international visitors, packed hotels from Sultanahmet to Kadikoy, and a nightlife calendar that reshapes itself around race week. Expect the party scene to lean hard into it, F1 weekends everywhere from Melbourne to Miami come with a full after-hours program, and Istanbul will not be the exception.
Until then, the countdown is on: the first race of the new deal arrives in 2027, with dates to be confirmed when the full calendar drops. If past editions are any guide, tickets for the grandstands around Turn 8 will be the first to go.
When race week finally lands in Istanbul, the after-parties will matter as much as the podium. Follow @ssaucys on Instagram for events, news and more.
Frequently asked questions
When does Formula 1 return to Turkey?
From the 2027 season. The five-year agreement announced in April 2026 puts Istanbul Park on the calendar from 2027 through 2031; exact race dates arrive with the official 2027 calendar.
Is there a Turkish Grand Prix in 2026?
No. The agreement announced in 2026 starts with the 2027 season, so the next Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park is expected in 2027.
Where is the Turkish Grand Prix held?
At Istanbul Park, a 5.3 km circuit on the Asian side of Istanbul near Tuzla, famous for its elevation changes and the multi-apex Turn 8.
Why is Istanbul Park famous?
Drivers rate it as one of the best modern circuits, largely thanks to Turn 8. It also hosted the 2020 race where Lewis Hamilton sealed his record-equalling seventh world championship in the wet.