2027 is set to see the return of a fan favourite Formula 1 race, for the first time in six years we will see our drivers return to Istanbul Park. 

The race was last on the calendar during COVID, in 2020 and 2021, which lead to Lewis Hamilton securing his Seventh World Championship, however he wasn't the one to win the GP, the win went to his then teammate Valtteri Bottas. The pair are the only two on the current grid that have won the Turkish GP. I cannot wait to see who takes the win in the 2027 season. During his time at Ferrari, Felipe Massa took the record for most wins at the circuit, taking home the wins in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The only other drivers to have won a race at the circuit are Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. It is also home to the one and only pole position Lance Stroll has ever received. 

Turkish GP | Source: F1

The track first found its way onto the Formula 1 race lineup in 2005 and since then, has hosted 9 races in total. Since the last race, a lot of changes have been made to the track, including new challenging corners and elevation changes. Included in the track's layout is a long back straight, with many overtaking opportunities, with a mix of medium and slow-speed corners to make the track a challenge for drivers. 

This does not mean an increase in races for the 2027 season, but it does mean that 24 tracks now have a contract ahead of the season. The circuit will remain a regular addition to the race lineup until 2031 in this new contract. The race will slot into open spaces, where contracts expire or are on a rotational basis, such as the Belgium Grand Prix. 

Lewis at the Turkish GP | Source: Sunday Guardian

I'm incredibly excited to see this addition, so are many fans, especially with Hamilton announcing he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon.