Formula 1 Türkiye GP Promotion Program

The promotional activity, designed as a high-profile event with the participation of top-level state officials and international sports federation leaders, has been organized to officially announce Formula 1’s return to Türkiye and to share the details of the related agreements with the public.

Background and Bidding Process

Efforts to bring Formula 1 races back to Türkiye have emerged as the culmination of a prolonged planning and negotiation process. Although Türkiye engaged in various discussions after its last race in 2021 to rejoin the calendar, these efforts began to slow from 2022 onward due to competition from other countries with higher budgets, such as Qatar. However, by 2024, a new bidding process was launched for the operating rights of the Istanbul Park circuit.

As a result of the 2024 bidding process, Can Bilim Education Institutions Inc., whose board chair Lale Cander holds shares in the Turkish subsidiary of Pirelli—the official tire supplier of Formula 1—has acquired the 30-year operating rights to Istanbul Park. The cost of this transfer is reported to be approximately 117.8 million US dollars. Under the terms of this bidding contract, the new operator is obligated to reintroduce Formula 1 races to Türkiye through a long-term agreement until 2026. In pursuit of this goal, negotiations conducted jointly with the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) gained momentum, laying the groundwork for a multi-year strategic partnership between Formula 1 management and Türkiye.

During the same period, global decisions made by Formula 1 management regarding the race calendar also strengthened Türkiye’s position. In statements made by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, responses were given to criticisms about the increasing number of high-revenue street races such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with emphasis placed on the sport’s tendency to return to traditional permanent circuits. It was stated that the vacancies created by the cancellation of races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain would be filled by permanent circuits favored by drivers, such as Istanbul Park and Portimão in Portugal. In a statement made in February, Domenicali confirmed that Istanbul Park was among the leading candidates for return to the calendar.

Location, Timing and Participant Profile

The promotional event, during which the official return of the Turkey Grand Prix to the calendar will be announced, is scheduled to take place on Friday, 24 April 2026. The venue selected for the event, which is expected to begin at 15:00, is the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office in Istanbul.

The participant profile includes high-level officials at both national and international levels. President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to attend the event personally and deliver the official announcement. He will be accompanied by Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Mohammed Ben Sulayem. It is anticipated that President Erdoğan will make statements during the promotional meeting regarding the event’s alignment with Türkiye’s global sports vision and its role as a secure hub in the region. Domenicali is expected to present data on the international dimensions of the event and the strategic partnership established.

Scope of the Agreement and Calendar Expectations

The central topic to be disclosed to the public during the promotional program is the duration of the broadcasting and organization agreement between Formula 1 and Türkiye. Various sources and preliminary statements from official bodies indicate that the agreement is based not on a short-term solution but on a long-term strategic plan.

Different durations have been suggested regarding the agreement’s length. Some data indicate a seven-year term, while other information based on Presidential sources and reports in international media state that the agreement will be valid for at least five years, beginning in 2027. With the formalization of this agreement, the six-year period of uncertainty since Türkiye’s absence from the Formula 1 calendar in 2021 is expected to come to an end.

Planned Exhibition Drive and Event Route

As part of the promotional activities, a visual event featuring Formula 1 cars driving through Istanbul’s symbolic locations is planned. Specifically, a Formula 1 car is expected to depart from Galataport, Istanbul’s main cruise port, pass through Karaköy and Beşiktaş, and arrive at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office, the event’s central venue.

Such urban exhibition events have been used in Türkiye’s previous Formula 1 promotional campaigns. For example, during the 2021 promotional campaign, Istanbul’s bridges and various historical sites were featured. Similarly, prior to the 2020 event, a promotional film with a transcontinental theme was produced featuring Alexander Albon from Red Bull Racing and Pierre Gasly from Alpha Tauri, then known as Scuderia Toro Rosso. The video was viewed by millions worldwide. The planned new exhibition drive aims to generate a similar global impact.

Infrastructure, Modernization and Environmental Sustainability Efforts

In addition to the agreement’s duration, the promotional program also plans to communicate information regarding the renewal process of the physical facilities where the event will be held. President Erdoğan is expected to address during the event the infrastructure modernization works planned for the Istanbul Park circuit, the central venue of the races.

Alongside the technical upgrading of the circuit, renovation initiatives for surrounding social facilities are also considered part of this modernization plan. Furthermore, in line with the global environmental goals that Formula 1 has prioritized in recent years, the Turkey Grand Prix is planned to be integrated into these policies. It has been stated that sustainability projects aimed at reducing the event’s carbon footprint will support the initiative under the “green event” concept. This entire physical and environmental development process is being coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Türkiye.

Economic and Touristic Impact

Another key theme of the promotional program is the anticipated contribution of the Formula 1 event to Türkiye’s macroeconomic indicators and tourism sector. The return of the event is expected to generate billions of dollars in added value to Türkiye’s economy and tourism infrastructure by enhancing the country’s global brand value. This event is regarded as a critical instrument in Türkiye’s international public diplomacy and sports vision.

As part of the tourism integration strategy, global spectators coming to Türkiye to follow the races are expected to experience Istanbul’s cultural heritage. Tourist itineraries will highlight historically significant sites such as Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar, alongside international gastronomic offerings that reflect the city’s synthesis of East and West.

The statistical reach of Formula 1 forms the foundation of these economic and touristic expectations. According to data, as of the 2025 season, Formula 1 is broadcast in over 180 countries worldwide, reaching more than 827 million viewers on television screens. During the same period, over 6.7 million ticketed spectators attended races in person, and 2.3 billion interactions were generated across social media platforms, establishing Formula 1 as one of the world’s most-watched international sporting events. This vast audience is planned to be directed toward Türkiye over the long-term agreement period.

Historical Background of Istanbul Park Circuit and the Turkey Grand Prix

The Istanbul Park circuit, the focal point of the promotional program, was constructed in the Tuzla district and inaugurated in 2003. With a total length of 5.338 kilometers, the track is recognized as one of the world-class racing circuits known for its technical difficulty. The circuit’s most internationally renowned technical section is the famous Turn 8, which challenges drivers with extreme levels of lateral g-force and is ranked among the most demanding corners in the world. Active racing drivers have consistently provided positive feedback regarding the track’s grip and performance potential.

The Turkey Grand Prix has historically appeared in two distinct periods on the Formula 1 calendar. The first period began with the inaugural race in 2005 and continued uninterrupted for seven seasons until 2011. This initial seven-year period was marked by highly competitive races, with five different drivers winning across the seven events. Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were among the winners during this era, while Brazilian driver Felipe Massa secured three victories at Istanbul Park, becoming the driver with the most wins on this circuit.

In particular, the 2010 Turkey Grand Prix became one of the significant events in Formula 1 history. A battle for the lead between Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber ended in a collision, resulting in Vettel’s retirement and Webber finishing the race in third place.

The second period of the Turkey Grand Prix on the calendar occurred during the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was included as a replacement venue in 2020 and 2021. In the 2020 race, Lewis Hamilton crossed the checkered flag in first place, securing his second win at this circuit and, more significantly, clinching his seventh world championship title at Istanbul Park—tying Michael Schumacher’s record. In the final Formula 1 race held in Türkiye, on 8–10 October 2021, Valtteri Bottas of the Mercedes team won the 58-lap race, securing his first victory of the season.

^{President Erdoğan was accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Director of the Presidency of Communications Burhanettin Duran, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Mohammed bin Sulayem, and President of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED) Eren Üçlertoprağı. (AA)}" image-element-format="right" image-height="4000" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/24/xUM6NkavfgeKL6TcJWfK0Ds0TzCGF8DE.jpg" image-width="6000">

Meeting Organization and Participants

The promotional program was organized under the auspices of the Presidency at the Dolmabahçe Working Office. The process was coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, and the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED). The meeting was attended by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, and President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Mohammed bin Sulayem.

Official Decisions and Agreement Details

According to the official decisions announced following the meeting, the Formula 1 Türkiye Grand Prix will be included in the calendar for five seasons starting in 2027. The duration of the signed agreement has been set to remain valid until the end of the 2031 season. This decision was globally announced on Formula 1’s official social media accounts on the same day at 15:06. Additionally, it was decided that broadcast rights for the event will continue to be held by beIN SPORTS until 2033.

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Formula 1 Türkiye GP Promotion Program. (AA)}" image-element-format="left" image-height="4000" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/24/fVWQKO24WponBFJwUP5EtsWGxN0j5t7Y.jpg" image-width="6000">

Statements by Officials

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan assessed the return of the event to Türkiye as a demonstration of confidence in the country’s organizational capacity, healthcare infrastructure, and sports facilities. Erdoğan highlighted the popularity of Formula 1 among young people, stating that the races reach approximately 19 million people in Türkiye and have 7.5 million followers on social media.

FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem affirmed that he had fulfilled his earlier promise to bring Formula 1 back to Türkiye, emphasizing that this return is a vital component of the championship’s global growth strategy.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his satisfaction with the return, noting Istanbul’s role as a cultural bridge between Asia and Europe. TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı stated that preparatory work for the 2027 race has already begun with the support of the state.

İstanbul Park Circuit and Türkiye’s F1 History

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At the center of the five-year agreement is the İstanbul Park circuit, which features a length of 5.338 meters and 14 turns running counter-clockwise. The track width varies between 14.5 and 21.5 meters, with the longest straight measuring 720 meters and the maximum gradient recorded at 8.145 percent. The maximum speed achieved by Formula 1 cars on this circuit is measured at 320 kilometers per hour. Turn 8, with multiple apexes, is among the most technically demanding sections of the track and is widely recognized by drivers.

• İstanbul Park

To date, Türkiye has hosted a total of nine Formula 1 races: seven between 2005 and 2011, and two in 2020 and 2021. In past years, Felipe Massa secured three victories at the circuit, while other winners include Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, and Valtteri Bottas. The 2020 event, in particular, is etched into championship history as the race in which Lewis Hamilton claimed his seventh world title, tying Michael Schumacher’s record. The most recent race held at the circuit, in 2021, was won by Valtteri Bottas.

^{A Formula 1 car was displayed at Dolmabahçe prior to the Formula 1 Türkiye Grand Prix. (AA)}" image-element-format="left" image-height="2667" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/04/24/dMsUMtkA2azDxBMlivphcXH3a76gIurp.jpg" image-width="4000">

Tourism and Global Impact

During the promotional meeting, the event’s impact on Türkiye’s tourism potential was also emphasized. Tourists attending the races are expected to experience the city’s historical landmarks such as Topkapı Sarayı and Kapalıçarşı. According to 2025 statistics presented on the event’s global reach, the Formula 1 event is broadcast in over 180 countries, attracting more than 827 million television viewers, 2.3 billion social media impressions, and a total of 6.7 million spectators at the race venues.