Legendary F1 track made famous by Lewis Hamilton ready for return

McLaren and Racing Point at 2020 Turkish GP — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Legendary F1 track made famous by Lewis Hamilton ready for return

The track has been absent from the calendar for some years

Chris Deeley Editor

Experienced sports writer covering F1 and other motorsports since 2023

Sunday 10 August 2025 09:57 Updated: 11:04

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A track which holds some fond memories for seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is eyeing up a return to the sport's calendar sooner rather than later.

The Turkish Grand Prix hasn't been held since 2021, when it replaced the Singapore Grand Prix on the Covid-19 affected calendar for that year.

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The previous year had seen the race re-added to the schedule for the first time since 2011, also due to Covid restrictions on a number of other races, with Hamilton winning his record-equalling seventh title in a rain-affected race.

The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation, or TOSFED, recently took control of Istanbul Park, with president Eren Uclertopragi revealing plans for a long-term return to the sport rather than being used as a stop-gap in exceptional circumstances.

The Turkish Grand Prix was last held in 2021

Turkish GP boss: Strong commitment to bring F1 back

Uclertopragi told Autosport: "Following our appointment by the government as the federation a few months ago, we have been in intensive discussions with F1 and FIA management.

“There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Turkey back into the Formula 1 calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement.

“As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced. Nevertheless, in the event that a race cannot be held for various reasons, we could host the Turkish Grand Prix.

“However, unlike during the pandemic, we do not want to host a one-off replacement race; instead, we aim to secure a place on the calendar through a long-term contract.”

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