Fan-favourite Grand Prix 'plotting return to F1 calendar' and could happen next season

The Turkish Grand Prix is plotting a return to the F1 calendar and is prepared to step in and replace the new Madrid Grand Prix in 2026 if the Madring circuit is not finished in time. Next year's calendar was released in June with another 24-race World Championship planned.

F1 unexpectedly returned to the popular Istanbul Park circuit in 2020 as the series scrambled to put together a calendar during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Imola enjoyed an extended renewal after deputising, Turkey's race disappeared again, along with Mugello, the Nurburgring, and Portimao. The two races for which the Turkish GP returned were memorable, though. The 2020 event was a modern F1 classic that sawLance Stroll score his first and, to date, only pole position before losing the lead to a charging Lewis Hamilton.

The victory sealed his record-equalling seventh Drivers' Championship crown. Then, in 2021, Valtteri Bottas registered his final Grand Prix win for Mercedes, beating nearest rival Max Verstappen by over 14 seconds, while Hamilton struggled down in fifth after a poor qualifying.

Now, after a four-year hiatus, Istanbul Park is preparing for a return to the schedule. Speaking to Motorsport Turkey, the president of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation, Eren Uclertopragi, confirmed the desire to bring F1 back to the iconic circuit.

"There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Turkey back into the Formula One calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement," he said. "As is known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced.

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"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."

Uclertopragi is referring to the construction status of the Madring, which will become the newest circuit to host an F1 race in September. However, its position on the calendar is subject to circuit homologation, as is standard practice for new tracks, and with the organisers facing hurdles, a 2026 launch is not guaranteed.

The Madring circuit is facing opposition from the political group Mas Madrid, which has raised concerns about the absence of an environmental impact assessment and public health studies in the circuit's plans.