F1 calendar might soon have a new ADDITION as Turkish GP looks for a return with ‘modern’ Istanbul Park circuit under new ownership

The Turkish GP can make a comeback on the F1 calendar as soon as 2026.

F1 calendar might soon have a new ADDITION as Turkish GP looks for a return with ‘modern’ Istanbul Park circuit under new ownership

Turkish GP 2021, via IMAGO

The F1 calendar consists of an all-time high of 24 races in a season. However, the beloved Turkish GP is on the door of the F1 calendar knocking for a place there. The race is bidding for a return as early as 2026, and fans worldwide are in for a treat.

The Istanbul Park circuit last hosted a race in 2021 which was a delight among the fans and drivers. Subsequently, the track will go out to public tender soon and the Turkish Federation reckons that the new owners would modernize the circuit and make it an attractive proposition for F1 and their owners Liberty Media.

YouTube video

Turkey debuted on the F1 calendar back in 2005 and was won by Kimi Räikkönen in the McLaren. The current tender holder has been unable to renew their ownership due to economic reasons. Following this, the new tender would be given the right to ownership for 30 years and the federation wants the tender winner to modernize the circuit and bring back the race to the country.

FS Video

Arrival of the Turkish GP can knock one of the more established circuits out of the calendar

The F1 calendar is already out of space according to multiple drivers. Just a decade or two ago, F1 races across the globe were nearly a dozen and this number has now doubled.

The Istanbul Park circuit where the Turkish GP was held (via Motorsport.com)

If Formula One Management doesn’t want to increase the number of races from 24 to 25, then any one of the staple races on the calendar may have to step off to make place for the race. The arrival of Madrid on the calendar already forces Liberty Media to not renew the contracts with any one of the races whose terms are expiring next year.

Races such as China, Netherlands, Monza, Imola, Mexico, Monaco and Spa can be on their last stints. Also, if the Turkish GP joins the party then historical tracks are in danger and may lose their spots. With the trend of more races in the USA, more than one race could fall off the calendar.

In case you missed it: