Istanbul: Trkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday that Istanbul Park will host high-profile races over five seasons between 2027 and 2031.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Erdogan made this announcement during an event at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, marking Formula 1's return to Trkiye. He highlighted that Istanbul Park will offer thrilling races for five full seasons, emphasizing Trkiye's aspiration to strengthen its partnership with Formula 1 in the upcoming years.
Erdogan noted that Formula 1 is among the world's top sporting events, with a significant following in Trkiye, particularly among young people. The races have garnered millions of viewers in the country, with around 7.5 million users following them on social media. Trkiye has hosted Formula 1 nine times, with seven races between 2005 and 2011 and two more during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. The 2005 race set a Republic-era record with over 110,000 spectators.
Erdogan emphasized that Istanbul Park is recognized as one of Formula 1's most distinguished circuits due to its iconic races and record-breaking performances. Trkiye's commitment to motorsports was evident when it hosted Formula 1 during the pandemic, a time when many sporting events were canceled. He recalled the 2020 race where Lewis Hamilton equaled Michael Schumacher's record of seven F1 world championships, and the return of spectators in 2021, which was met with great excitement.
With Formula 1 returning in 2027, Erdogan stated that this will add significant value to the championship and reflects global confidence in Trkiye's capabilities. Trkiye's Communications Director, Burhanettin Duran, echoed these sentiments on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, celebrating Trkiye's achievement under Erdogan's leadership. He believes the event will showcase Istanbul's cultural richness and reinforce Trkiye's strength in global sports diplomacy.
The Turkish Grand Prix's return marks the end of a six-year hiatus, with Istanbul Park set to host its 10th Formula 1 race next year. The 5.3-kilometer circuit, known for its challenging turns, prepares to welcome the roaring F1 engines once more. The Turkish Grand Prix was first added to the calendar in 2005 and held until 2011, before returning during the pandemic for races in 2020 and 2021. Twelve drivers have reached the podium at Istanbul Park, including notable names like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Sebastian Vettel.