Türkiye secures Formula 1 return through 2031 season

Five-year agreement sealed

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced on Thursday that Istanbul Park will stage Formula 1 races through the 2031 season, marking the Turkish Grand Prix's return to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar beginning in 2027. The five-year agreement was finalized following negotiations with Formula 1 management, according to a statement from the Culture and Tourism Ministry. Ersoy and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak reviewed preparations for the event during a comprehensive meeting held at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Istanbul to assess organizational readiness.

Preparations underway

The meeting addressed logistical coordination among institutions responsible for organizing the race, alongside national and international promotional activities planned for the coming period. Ersoy stated on social media that preparations aim to combine Türkiye's extensive experience in hosting international events with the distinct excitement of Formula 1 racing. The ministers examined specific steps required to stage the Turkish Grand Prix to the highest standards, including detailed inter-agency responsibilities and infrastructure readiness assessments.

Stakeholder coordination

Senior officials from the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, and Spor Toto Organization attended the meeting alongside representatives from the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation. TOSFED President Eren Uclertopragi, Secretary-General Serhan Acar, and the federation's vice presidents joined discussions on operational planning and promotional strategy. Participants reviewed preparations aimed at ensuring the event meets international standards while maximizing Türkiye's visibility as a premier motorsport destination.

History of hosting

Under the terms of the agreement, Istanbul Park will host Formula 1 races annually from 2027 through 2031. Türkiye previously welcomed the championship at the same venue from 2005 to 2011, with additional races held there during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The return of the event to Istanbul Park is expected to reinforce Türkiye's position as a host of major international sporting events and contribute substantially to Istanbul's global tourism promotion.