Turkey signals ambitious bid to bring F1 back to Istanbul Park

Turkey is determined to make a bold return to the Formula 1 World Championship, with the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation expressing readiness to host a Grand Prix at Istanbul Park as early as 2026.

The iconic circuit, recently transferred to TOSFED’s management, is being positioned for a permanent spot on the F1 calendar, backed by strong government support and a vision for long-term commitment.

The Turkish Grand Prix last featured on the F1 calendar during the pandemic-disrupted seasons of 2020 and 2021, serving as a stop-gap solution. However, TOSFED president Eren Uclertopragi is eager to secure a more enduring role for Istanbul Park.

“Following our appointment by the government as the federation a few months ago, we have been in intensive discussions with F1 and FIA management,” Uclertopragi told Motorsport.com.

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

Unlike the temporary arrangements of the past, Turkey is not looking for a one-off event.

“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,” Uclertopragi said.

“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.”

Robust Government Backing

The bid to bring Formula 1 back to Turkey apparently enjoys significant support from the highest levels of government.

“I am happy to say that, thankfully, our president, minister of culture and tourism, and minister of youth and sports are all seriously supporting the project to bring Formula 1 back to Turkey,” Uclertopragi noted.

“Therefore, we are currently receiving significant support and encouragement from our government. All payments and procedures related to the race will be completed under state guarantee.”

TOSFED’s new role as the manager of Istanbul Park further strengthens Turkey’s position.

“At this point, the fact that we, as the federation, have taken over the management of Istanbul Park gives us a great advantage,” Uclertopragi explained.

“In addition to assuming the responsibilities of both the promoter and the national sporting authority recognised by the FIA, the fact that the race is supported by the full force of our government will enable us to organise a very smooth event.”

He also highlighted the rarity of such a structure, noting, “Finding such a structure among other races on the calendar is very rare. In fact, a few international racing series already contacted us to race in Turkey as early as next year.”

A Unique Proposition for Formula 1

Turkey’s pitch is bolstered by the unique attributes of Istanbul Park and the country’s strategic advantages.

“We do not have the perspective of competing with any other country,” Uclertopragi emphasized.

“Turkey still has a very popular and unique track, a population of 85 million, great interest in the sport among young people, a market where more than 1.2 million cars are sold annually, factories or major distributors of most F1 car brands located here, and a geopolitical position.”

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The circuit’s location offers logistical benefits, particularly in relation to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, scheduled for September 2026.

“The huge spectator potential in countries within a two-to-three-hour flight from Istanbul makes it a country that could add significant value to the F1 calendar if included,” Uclertopragi said.

“Preferably, September is a month when the weather is good in Istanbul and students return to school. Therefore, I think it would be very convenient to organise the race in September.

“The fact that the Azerbaijan GP will also take place in our sister country in September could make things easier for Formula 1 teams in terms of logistics. A race that can be held before or after going to or returning from Baku would be a relatively lower-cost and easier operation for F1.”

Turkey’s ambition to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar comes amid growing competition, with organizers of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola also vying for a return.

However, Turkey’s blend of a beloved circuit, robust government support, and strategic location positions Istanbul Park as a compelling candidate. As discussions with F1 and FIA management continue, TOSFED is optimistic about delivering a world-class event that could become a fixture on the global motorsport stage.

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