Turkish motorsports officials are pursuing a permanent return of Formula 1 to Istanbul, with plans to potentially host a grand prix as soon as 2026 if complications arise with the new Madrid circuit. The effort aligns with Turkey’s focus on reestablishing its presence on the F1 calendar through a lasting agreement at Istanbul Park.
Turkey previously hosted annual Formula 1 races at the Istanbul Park circuit from 2005 until 2011, situated on the Asian side of the Bosporus and designed by Hermann Tilke. The race left the calendar due to financial constraints but returned temporarily in 2020 and 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic to help fill gaps in the schedule.
Istanbul Park Under New Management and Government Support
Recently, management of Istanbul Park was transferred to the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), strengthening Turkey’s capacity to stage Formula 1 events. Federation president Eren Uclertopragi emphasized their readiness to host races well before 2027 if necessary, contingent on unforeseen issues such as delays with the Spanish Grand Prix’s relocation to Madrid.
Uclertopragi explained that different from the temporary pandemic-era events, Turkey is aiming for a permanent slot on the Formula 1 calendar secured through a long-term contract. The federation benefits from strong governmental backing, which was a central obstacle when Turkey last lost its grand prix.
There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Turkey back into the Formula 1 calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement,
Uclertopragi said.
As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced. Nevertheless, in the event that a race cannot be held for various reasons, we could host the Turkish Grand Prix.
However, unlike during the pandemic, we do not want to host a one-off replacement race; instead, we aim to secure a place on the calendar through a long-term contract.
We are currently receiving significant support and encouragement from our government,
he added.
All payments and procedures related to the race will be completed under state guarantee.
Strategic Advantages and Future Opportunities for Turkey’s F1 Return
With TOSFED now overseeing Istanbul Park’s operations as both promoter and national sporting authority recognized by the FIA, Turkey enjoys significant organizational advantages. Uclertopragi highlighted the importance of government support in ensuring smooth event planning and execution moving forward.
We do not have the perspective of competing with any other country. Turkey still has a very popular and unique track, a population of 85 million, great interest in the sport among young people, a market where more than 1.2 million cars are sold annually, factories or major distributors of most F1 car brands located here, and a geopolitical position.
Turkey’s position geographically and economically, combined with Istanbul Park’s reputation, positions it well to resume hosting F1 events. The federation is also exploring the possibility of pairing the Istanbul race with the nearby Baku Grand Prix to optimize logistics and race flow across the region.
Potential Calendar Changes Opening Doors for Turkey by 2027
A return of the Turkish Grand Prix could be viable as early as 2027, primarily because the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort may drop off the calendar by that time. Additionally, Barcelona has not yet locked in a contract beyond 2026, potentially freeing up multiple calendar slots.
Meanwhile, Thailand is emerging as a strong candidate for a new race starting in 2028, with government backing of approximately $1.2 billion for a street circuit in Bangkok. Such emerging markets increase competition for limited calendar spots, making Turkey’s push for a permanent return highly strategic and time-sensitive.
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