The Turkish GP is among several venues working for a slot in the F1 calendar, with Istanbul Park taking crucial steps to secure their return. Despite the growing demand and limited space for F1 Grand Prix slots, there are realistic prospects this fan favourite could make a comeback.
Turkey hosted an F1 race a little over two years ago, benefitting from the frantic scramble to put together a calendar post-pandemic. However, it has been absent from the sport in the last two seasons.
They do not intend to maintain this status quo. Formula 1 events are increasingly seen as tremendous commercial opportunities, as evidenced by the recent calendar changes. Even traditional circuits must work to improve their infrastructure and earn their places.
Stefano Domenicali has spoken about this issue extensively, making clear that heritage is not enough in modern F1. In this context, Istanbul sees an opportunity to put itself back on the calendar – provided its package is competitive enough.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – OCTOBER 09: Yuki Tsunoda of Scuderia (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
Negotiations between Turkey and F1
Just Last month, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem visited Turkey and held talks with President Erdogan. These discussions were concerned with the potential for Istanbul to make a return to both the Formula 1 and World Rally Championship.
After this meeting, Sulayem indicated that F1 would be happy to have Istanbul on the calendar once again. Both sides clearly intend to reach an agreement, although there is still work ahead for a deal to materialise.
For pen to reach paper on an agreement, important negotiations are about to commence. As reported earlier today by tr.motorsport, the tender for Istanbul Park has been awarded. The terms of this deal are understood to be over 30 years – with an estimated cost of $117 million.
The company that won this tender is now tasked with securing Istanbul’s return to F1. It is understood that their contract contains clauses requiring bringing Formula 1 back to Turkey by 2026.
Several circuits currently on the calendar expire at the end of next season. This should provide an opening for new applicants to secure their positions on the schedule.
