F1 announces shock return of historic grand prix

F1 has announced the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao on a two-year contract, starting from the 2027 season. 

Owing to a number of races being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Portimao stepped in to host the first Portuguese GP since 1996, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his 92nd race win, breaking Michael Schumacher's record of 91, which had stood since 2006.

The race returned in 2021 for a second outing, also won by Hamilton, before some of the long-haul flyaways returned for 2022, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and Singapore.

RacingNews365 understands that the return of the race should be the effective replacement for the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, which, after six seasons, is dropping off the schedule after the 2026 event. 

It is not, therefore, set to fill in the rotational slot opened up in the calendar by the Belgian Grand Prix's biennial race from 2027 until its new deal runs out in 2031.

The article continues below. 

Portugal is "back on the map"

Reflecting on the news, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, said he believed the return placed Portugal "back on the F1 map."

"Portugal is back on the Formula 1 map. The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain - from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs - projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination," he said.

"Hosting the Grand Prix in the Algarve reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies. 

"This will be an event that, in addition to being a source of prestige for our country, will enhance Portugal's image throughout the world."

Jaime Costa, the Chairman and CEO of Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, to give Portimao its official title, added that the "rollercoaster" layout would be a draw.

"We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve," he began.

"The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community. 

"This achievement was only made possible with the continuous support, since the beginning, of the Portuguese Government. Portimão’s unique “rollercoaster” layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love. 

"We look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track."

Meanwhile, F1 chief Stefano Domenicali was keen to see the track return with "emphatic" style.

"I’m delighted to see Portimao return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase," he said.

"The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats. 

"The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal. 

"I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimo returns to the calendar in emphatic style."