The Turkish Grand Prix, close to returning to the Formula 1 calendar » But with one condition
Article by Sebastian Vasile – Published Sunday, December 28, 2025, 2:01 p.m. / Updated Sunday, December 28, 2025, 2:01 p.m.
The Turkish Grand Prix is close to returning to the Formula 1 calendar, but for this the “Istanbul Park” circuit will need to be renovated to meet the requirements of the world championship.
According to sources, organizers in Turkey were close to signing a five-year contract to host the race earlier this year.
Turkey's MP, close to returning to the Formula 1 calendar, but with one condition
This did not happen, however, after Formula 1 requested renovations to the circuit, which will not target the track itself, but rather the paddock area.
Formula 1's wish is for permanent buildings to be built in the paddock at “Istanbul Park” to be used by the teams during the weekends.
“Istanbul Park” circuit. Photo: X.com
The Turkish Grand Prix will now be treated as a non-European stage and the motorcade will travel there by plane and ship, not by truck as in the past. This will mean that teams will not be able to rely on their own motorhomes and therefore permanent structures will have to be built in the paddock.
Despite this impediment, the Turkish Grand Prix is expected to return to the Formula 1 calendar shortly, namely with a permanent position, not in rotation with another race.
The Portuguese Grand Prix returns to Formula 1
“Istanbul Park” is not the only circuit that is close to returning to the Formula 1 calendar! The organizers officially announced that The Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the World Championship calendar with a two-year contract, for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
The Portuguese Grand Prix circuit in 2021, the last time the race was held there / photo: Formula 1
- In the year 2026, the last edition of the Dutch Grand Prix will take place between August 21 and 23.
The new race will replace the Dutch Grand Prix. In addition to Portugal and Turkey, Germany and Malaysia have also shown interest
The race will take place on the “Portimao” circuit, which has already hosted two Formula 1 rounds in the 2020 and 2021 pandemic seasons. This 4.6 km circuit offers drivers a technical challenge with dramatic elevation changes, culminating in a sharp descent to the final right-hand corner that leads back to the pit straight.
