EXPLAINED: Why Turkey is back on the calendar from 2027

A familiar face is making a sensational return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027. Here's what you need to know...

Okay, you've got my attention. Now spill! Which track is coming back?

Drum roll, please! Turkey's spectacular Istanbul Park Circuit will return to the calendar next season after Formula 1 completed a five-year deal with the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Ah nice, I remember Turkey made a fleeting return during Covid...

You're spot on. The Turkish Grand Prix held races in 2020 and 2021, with Lewis Hamilton claiming a record-equaling seventh drivers' title at the venue in 2020, pulling level with Michael Schumacher.

Istanbul Park – which is around 45km away from the capital city Istanbul – first welcomed F1 in 2005 and has hosted nine Grands Prix in total.

Tell us more about the track, please.

It's an absolute humdinger that is often compared to Brazil's Interlagos and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, putting it in fine company indeed.

There are lots of elevation changes and a plethora of challenging corners, none more so than the stunning Turn 8, a multi-apex, ultra-fast left-hander that sweeps downhill at increasing speed. Watching a Formula 1 car navigate that challenge is truly something special.

Turn 8 doesn't take all the limelight, though. The Turn 1 left-hander has shades of American track Laguna Seca's extraordinary Corkscrew, so sharply does it drop away.

There's also a long back straight, with a decent overtaking opportunity into Turn 12, plus a sprinkling of medium and slow-speed corners to make for a technically demanding challenge.

Well this all sounds delightful. Who was the last winner in Turkey?

That would be Valtteri Bottas, who made his return to the sport this season with Cadillac, after a year as Mercedes reserve. The Finn, who won in 2021, and his then team mate Hamilton are the only current drivers to have ever won the Turkish Grand Prix.

Nice bit of trivia that...

Ah, well I've got more for you. Felipe Massa holds the record for the most wins at the venue, winning in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for Ferrari. The only other drivers to have won there are all World Champions – Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button.

Oh and it's also the scene of Lance Stroll's first – and as yet only – Formula 1 pole position.

Like it. Anything else?

Well if you fancy a dip into the archives, may I suggest the 2006 race, which featured a fine battle between World Champions Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, the duo crossing the line with just 0.081s between them.

And if it's drama you're after, look no further than the 2010 edition when Vettel and then Red Bull team mate Mark Webber collided in spectacular fashion on the run down to Turn 12,

Ooh, spicy! Turkey must be very excited about F1's return...

You bet. Formula 1 has seen impressive growth in the country in recent years, where the sport has more than 19 million fans and over 7.5 million followers engaging on social media.

According to data, Instagram followers have grown by 25% year-on-year – and YouTube views have increased by 107%.

When will the race take place?

Ahaha, nice try. You'll have to wait until the 2027 Formula 1 calendar is published later this year! When it swings around next year, you'll be able to follow all the action through F1.com, F1's social channels, F1 TV and your host broadcaster.