Turkey Ready to Host F1 Races Again
Formula 1 has recently announced its calendar for 2026, yet officials for the Turkish Grand Prix are prepared to intervene and host a race as soon as next year should any event need to be canceled.
Management Transition and Long-Term Goals
Istanbul Park has been handed over to TOSFED, the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation. Eren Uclertopragi, the federation president, expressed a strong desire for Formula 1 to return permanently to Turkey, rather than just for the short term.
Past F1 Events in Turkey
Turkey last featured F1 races during the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons as a substitute to complete the schedule. Current officials are actively pursuing a permanent reinstatement.
Government Support
In a recent interview, Uclertopragi confirmed ongoing discussions with F1 and FIA management since the federation’s appointment. He stated, “The government is fully committed to securing Turkey’s place on the Formula 1 calendar through a long-term deal.”
Aiming for a Permanent Return
Uclertopragi emphasized that they prefer not to host a one-off race but are aiming for a sustainable presence in the F1 calendar. The Turkish government back’s this initiative, ensuring all financial processes related to the race will be managed under state guarantees.
Turkey’s Competitive Edge
The Turkish circuit’s appeal lies in its strategic location and enthusiastic fanbase. Uclertopragi highlighted, “Turkey boasts a population of 85 million and a significant interest in motorsports. The geographical proximity to several countries enhances the potential for substantial spectator turnout.”
Future Prospects
Looking forward, Turkey could potentially return to the calendar as early as 2027, coinciding with potential openings in the schedule. A strong contender for a new race is Thailand, which has pledged $1.2 billion for a street circuit in Bangkok starting in 2028.