Iconic F1 race makes surprise pitch for 2026 return

Turkish Grand Prix bosses have made a surprise pitch to return to the F1 calendar, in both the short and long-term. 

F1 last raced at Istanbul Park in 2021 as part of a two-year arrangement due to COVID-19, with the last regularly scheduled Turkish GP being in 2011, with ownership of the track recently transferred to the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation. 

As such, President of the federation, Eren Uclertopgragi, has declared his intention to see F1 return, potentially as soon as 2026.

Although the 24-race 2026 calendar has already been confirmed, Uclertopgragi has made it clear that if any race were to fall off the calendar, Turkey would be ready to step in at short notice.

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

"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."

For 2027, slots are expected to open up on the calendar, with the Dutch Grand Prix falling away after '26, and Barcelona yet to agree a new deal with F1 beyond next season, when Madrid will take over the Spanish Grand Prix. 

Further ahead, the Belgian Grand Prix is set to become a rotational race after 2027, missing the '28 and '30 races as part of a deal which runs until '31, with Imola also keen to remain on the calendar.

However, one of the slots could be filled by a grand prix in Thailand, with F1 bosses locked in talks with the government over a billion-dollar deal for a street race.

Talking about when a potential Turkish GP return could take place, Uclertopgragi indicated a potential back-to-back arrangement with the Azerbaijan GP in September would be favoured.