Formula 1 returns to Istanbul

The Turkish Grand Prix was last held during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and in 2020, Lewis Hamilton won both the race and his seventh Drivers' Championship, equaling the all-time record held by Michael Schumacher.

Istanbul Park, which first hosted Formula 1 in 2005, quickly gained a reputation as one of the most technically challenging tracks in the championship. The 5.338-kilometer counter-clockwise circuit features a technical layout and elevation changes that highlight driver skill and vehicle performance. The very long and very fast Turn 8 is considered one of the most famous and difficult corners on the calendar, testing the courage and precision of the drivers.

The winner of the last race held at Istanbul Park in 2021 was Valtteri Bottas, who was racing for Mercedes at the time and is now a Cadillac driver. Bottas and Hamilton stand out as two of the active drivers who have previously won the Turkish Grand Prix.

Having hosted nine Grand Prix races to date, all filled with competition, Türkiye stands out as a race that is highly loved and attracts great interest from teams, drivers, and fans. Felipe Massa, who won three consecutive victories with Ferrari in Türkiye between 2006 and 2008, holds the record for the most wins at Istanbul Park. Additionally, champion names such as Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button have also achieved victory at Istanbul Park.

Formula 1 has continued to grow rapidly in Türkiye in recent years. While the sport has more than 19 million fans in Türkiye, more than 7.5 million followers interact on social media. The number of Instagram followers has increased by 25% on an annual basis, while YouTube views have risen by 107% in the recent period.

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated:

“Formula 1 is among the world's leading sports events with its spectacular shows, young fan base, and leadership in automotive technologies. In our country, Formula 1 also has a wide following across all age groups and a truly passionate fan base, especially among our youth.

While the races reach approximately 19 million people in our country, about 7.5 million people follow them closely on social media. We have hosted Formula 1 a total of 9 times: 7 races between 2005 and 2011, and two races during the COVID period in 2020 and 2021. Istanbul Park, which is famous for its Turn 8 and is a favorite of racing enthusiasts, will hopefully host exciting, high-quality races for five seasons between 2027 and 2031.

I see Türkiye's return to the Formula 1 calendar as a clear reflection of the strong trust placed in our country—in our robust organizational capacity, our modern sports and health infrastructure, and, of course, the famous hospitality of the Turkish people. As Türkiye, we will fulfill this trust once again by offering a flawless organization in every aspect, just as we have in the past.

I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who contributed to bringing Formula 1 back to our country. To the country and to Istanbul. I hope that Türkiye's partnership with Formula 1 as a motorsport country will grow even stronger in the coming years.”

Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali stated:

“From 2027, we are delighted to return to the incredible and vibrant city of Istanbul to thrill all our fans in Türkiye and around the world at one of the most exciting and challenging tracks in Formula 1. Istanbul, as a city, acts as a cultural gateway between Europe and Asia and offers a unique blend of history and tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sports, business, and entertainment. I would like to thank President Erdoğan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation for their support in securing the return of Formula 1. Many unforgettable moments in our sport's history have taken place at Istanbul Park, and I am excited to begin the next chapter of our partnership by offering fans the opportunity to experience even more incredible races in a truly great location.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated:

“The return of Formula 1 to Türkiye is a strong reflection of the continued global growth and appeal of our sport, and I am pleased that the Turkish Grand Prix is rejoining the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar. Istanbul Park is a track with a special place in Formula 1 history, and its return underscores our shared commitment to expanding the championship in dynamic markets. I would like to express my thanks to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and to the President of the FIA Member Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), Eren Üçlertoprağı. Through this strong cooperation, we are not only securing the long-term future of Formula 1 in Türkiye but also supporting the continuous development of motorsport and strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.”

Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) President Eren Üçlertoprağı, an FIA member, stated:

“Thanks to the unwavering support of our state and our intensive efforts, we are proud to announce that we have secured the return of the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix. On this occasion, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our President, our Minister of Youth and Sports, and our Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as their respective ministries, for their valuable support. We also extend our sincere thanks to the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the CEO of Formula 1, Mr. Stefano Domenicali. Preparations for the race, which is planned to be held in 2027, are continuing rapidly. Using all the power of our state, we will work tirelessly for an organization that is worthy of Türkiye and Istanbul, to be held in front of full grandstands.”

News Source: 12punto