Turkish Grand Prix
Istanbul Park
Istanbul Park first joined the Formula 1® calendar in 2005, bringing the Turkish Grand Prix to a circuit designed by Hermann Tilke on the Asian side of Istanbul. The inaugural race was won by Kimi Raikkonen, and the venue quickly became one of the most highly regarded additions to the modern Formula 1® calendar. After nine Grands Prix between 2005 and 2021, the Turkish Grand Prix will return to Istanbul Park in 2027 as part of a new five-year agreement running through 2031.
The 5.338km circuit features 14 corners, dramatic elevation changes and an anti-clockwise layout that combines fast sweeping sections with heavy braking zones. Its defining feature is Turn 8, a long, multi-apex left-hander taken at high speed and with sustained lateral loads. The circuit also features a significant climb and descent through the lap, while the long back straight creates opportunities for overtaking into Turn 12. Together, these characteristics make Istanbul Park a demanding test of commitment, car balance and tyre management.
Istanbul Park has produced some memorable moments during its first spell on the calendar. Felipe Massa became the circuit's most successful driver with three consecutive victories between 2006 and 2008, while the 2006 race saw Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso separated by just 0.081 seconds at the finish. In 2010, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collided while fighting for position, while Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh Drivers' Championship at the circuit in 2020, equalling Michael Schumacher's record at the time.
The most recent Turkish Grand Prix was held in 2021, when Valtteri Bottas took victory from pole position for Mercedes ahead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Now, after six years away, Formula 1® will return to Istanbul Park in 2027, bringing one of its most distinctive circuits back to the calendar and giving a new generation of drivers the chance to tackle the famous Turn 8.
Previous winners:
2021 Valtteri Bottas
2020 Lewis Hamilton
2011 Sebastian Vettel
