Last week’s announcement of the Portugal GP returning to the calendar (2027-28) came after months of negotiations. As reported by LWOS earlier in the year, Portimao’s circuit organisers worked hard towards securing an F1 return.

Others circuits are also in talks with Formula 1, including Turkey’s Istanbul Park.

Negotiations between promoters and FOM (Formula One Management) have been ongoing for some time. In an encouraging development, new details are emerging about these discussions, including potential contract duration.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – OCTOBER 10: Max Verstappen during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool/
Turkey in talks for multi-year contract

Much like Portimao, Turkey’s Istanbul Park returned to the calendar during the volatility of 2020. Having previously hosted F1 Grand Prix for half a decade (2005-2010), Istanbul was a familiar venue.

Indeed, the circuit’s unorthodox design and tendency to be affected by rain produced a memorable race in 2020.

Unfortunately for the Turkish track, it’s prior contract agreement with F1 was only short-term. Much like Portugal, it lost its place on the calendar in 2022.

Another similarity Istanbul shares with Portimao is that promoters have been in vigorous negotiations for a calendar return. For now, an agreement is yet to be confirmed for the Turkish GP’s comeback.

According to as-web.jp, however, talks are at an advanced stage. It is reported that F1 offered a five-year contract in the summer. This would see the circuit make a comeback as a permanent race.

Despite this proposal being made a few months ago, it failed to materialise. This is because, in order to secure this long-term deal, Istanbul Park must be modernised to meet FOM’s standards.

Consequently, local promoters are looking to find investors to facilitate the necessary improvements. Crucially the belief is that it is a matter of when – not if – a deal is signed.

The expectation is that terms will be finalised in the foreseeable future.

Valtteri Bottas, 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, Saturday – Jiri Krenek
Minimal spaces creates incentive for circuit rotation

Should promoters of the Turkish GP overcome this final hurdle, Istanbul will again feature in the F1 schedule. Unlike Portimao, however, this return will be as a permanent venue – rather than a rotational slot.

This rotational model (where circuits alternate on the calendar) is relevant for the ongoing negotiations with Barcelona.

With Madrid signing a multi-year deal to host the Spanish GP, the Catalunya circuit’s place is at jeopardy. Since its current deal expires in 2026, discussions are underway to draw up a new agreement.

The most plausible deal for Barcelona will be to alternate with the Belgian GP. Earlier this year, Belgium’s Spa circuit confirmed a multi-year deal with Formula 1. Spa will feature in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031.

These absences in 2028 and 2030 are not coincidental. In a bid to keep Belgium in Formula 1 whilst also facilitating other venues, the Spa circuit will begin alternating on the calendar.

For Barcelona organisers, having a similar arrangement (hosting races bi-annually in 2028 and 2030) is their most realistic path to remain part of the schedule – albeit in a reduced capacity.

Amidst these talks, Turkey is expected to be the next permanent circuit on the calendar. Despite increased competition and demand to host Grand Prix, Istanbul Park is well-positioned to retake its place.

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Main photo: LAT Images (Mercedes F1 Media Archive)