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Following the recent confirmation of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, motorsport authorities in Türkiye have expressed readiness to host a Grand Prix if any current races are cancelled. The Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), which now oversees Istanbul Park, is actively pursuing a permanent return to the F1 calendar rather than a temporary deal.
Türkiye previously hosted Formula 1 races in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic, stepping in to help fill gaps on the calendar. Now, officials are aiming to make that return long-lasting.
Eren Uclertopragi, President of TOSFED, stated that the federation has been engaged in ongoing talks with Formula 1 management and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) since their recent appointment by the Turkish government. He confirmed that there is strong state-level commitment to securing a long-term agreement.
“There is a strong commitment from the government to bring Türkiye back into the Formula 1 calendar with a permanent and long-term agreement,” he said. “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, he made it clear that Türkiye is not seeking a short-term, one-off solution like it did during the COVID-19 seasons. “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,” he added.
Uclertopragi emphasized that the Turkish government is fully backing the project. The President of Türkiye, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, and the Minister of Youth and Sports have all thrown their weight behind the effort. According to him, all race-related payments and procedures will be handled under a state guarantee.
He noted that TOSFED’s takeover of Istanbul Park has created a unique advantage. The federation now serves as both the race promoter and the national sporting authority recognised by the FIA. This centralised management model, coupled with full state support, is expected to streamline the process of hosting the event.
“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 Türkiye as early as next year,” he said.
While other circuits such as Imola are also fighting to stay on the calendar, Türkiye believes Istanbul Park offers distinct advantages. Uclertopragi underlined that the country does not aim to compete with others but instead relies on its strong automotive market, young fan base, and geographical position.
He cited several key points: Türkiye has a population of 85 million, annual car sales exceeding one million, and is home to the factories or distributors of many F1 car brands. The circuit’s popularity and unique layout add further appeal.
“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,” he said.
He also pointed to the possibility of scheduling a race in September, noting the favourable weather and logistical compatibility with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. A back-to-back schedule between the two locations could help reduce costs and simplify travel for F1 teams.
While no confirmed slot is currently available, there may be opportunities as early as 2027. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is expected to exit the calendar by then, and the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona has yet to renew its deal beyond 2026.
Meanwhile, other contenders such as Thailand have also stepped forward. The Thai government has pledged $1.2 billion to host a street race in Bangkok starting in 2028, which adds further competition to secure future places on the calendar.
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