ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar next season for the first time since 2021, following a five-year agreement.
The Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the agreement on Friday, which was confirmed by F1 and its governing body as Yuki Tsunoda drove a Red Bull car through central Istanbul toward the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus.
President Erdogan expressed that the deal signifies Turkey's stability in the region, stating, “In recent years we strengthened our position as being one of the islands of stability in the region and it is also a great signal that we are appreciated as a trustworthy country and our hospitality is also appreciated by the world.”
He noted that the agreement would last for “at least five years.”
The Istanbul Park circuit, located outside the city, initially hosted Formula 1 races from 2005 to 2011. Next year's race will mark Turkey's return to the F1 calendar after the country hosted races in 2020 and 2021 during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Valtteri Bottas secured victory in the most recent race held there.
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali commented, “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.”
This announcement follows the disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in the region, which led to the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia that were scheduled for this month.
Consequently, a significant gap has emerged in this year's schedule, with the Miami Grand Prix set to be the first F1 race since the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29.
The anticipation for F1's return to Istanbul has been growing since Domenicali indicated in February that the circuit was a potential candidate for re-inclusion.
Domenicali further explained that venues like Istanbul Park and the Portimão circuit, which will host the returning Portuguese Grand Prix next year, demonstrate that F1 is not overly focused on street races in glamorous locations.
Although street races, such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, are often lucrative, they tend to be less favored by drivers compared to purpose-built racetracks.
“Turkey is not 100% confirmed. Stay tuned on Turkey, let me put it this way,” Domenicali remarked previously, addressing concerns about the abundance of street races. “The new ones that are coming are tracks, not street races.”
The return of Turkey and Portugal in 2027 will coincide with the departure of the Dutch Grand Prix, which has been a part of the schedule for six years. The Belgian Grand Prix and a second Spanish race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will alternate years starting in 2027, creating additional openings.
F1 estimates that there are approximately 19 million fans in Turkey, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem referred to the race's return as “a powerful reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport.”
The Istanbul Park track is generally well-regarded by drivers, with its long, high-speed turn eight often considered one of the most challenging corners in the world.
Felipe Massa holds the record for the most wins at the Turkish Grand Prix, having triumphed three times in a row for Ferrari from 2006 to 2008, while Lewis Hamilton has won the race on two occasions.
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