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Turkey Set for F1 Comeback if Madrid Circuit Faces Delays
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Highlights
- Turkey prepares to return if Madrid circuit delays persist
- Madrid circuit completion deadline set for May 30, 2026
- Turkish government fully supports Formula 1’s return to Istanbul
- Turkey seeks permanent F1 race, not just a one-off event
- Istanbul Park last hosted F1 races in 2020 and 2021
- Proximity to Baku could ease logistics for September races
Turkey is making strong preparations to return to the Formula 1 calendar if the new Madrid circuit in Spain is not ready on time. The most recent F1 race at Istanbul Park took place in 2021.
Now, with Madrid planning to debut a new 5.4-kilometer circuit featuring 22 corners, Turkish officials are closely monitoring the situation. The Madrid race is scheduled for September 13, 2026, with the track required to be completed by May 30 of that year.
However, construction is facing delays and political opposition, which creates uncertainty about its completion.
Eren Uclertopragı, the president of TOSFED, Turkey’s Automobile Sports Federation, says his organization is in close talks with F1 and the FIA.
He emphasized that the Turkish government, including the President, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, all support the goal of bringing Formula 1 back to Istanbul. The government has also provided a state guarantee for all payments and procedures tied to hosting the race.
Uclertopragı wants Turkey to be more than a backup and is seeking a permanent, long-term place for the Turkish Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar, not just a one-off replacement as during the pandemic.
The Istanbul Park track was last used for F1 in 2020 and 2021. These events were part of special arrangements when the regular schedule was disrupted by COVID-19.
Before that, Turkey had a permanent place in F1 from 2005 to 2011. Organizers argue that Turkey’s large population of 85 million, strong interest in motorsport among young people, and a thriving automotive industry make it an attractive venue.
[p]Top car brands have major factories or distributors in Turkey, and more than 1.2 million vehicles are sold annually in the country.
Uclertopragı also highlighted Istanbul’s position as a major global city. The track is close to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
About 30 countries are within a few hours’ flight. This, combined with good September weather and the return of students to school, could help boost attendance.
The Turkish federation, which now fully manages Istanbul Park, says it can guarantee a well-organized event, pointing out that few countries can offer as much government backing and logistical support as Turkey.
Elsewhere in Europe, Imola’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix also expressed a desire to return but was not listed on the 2026 schedule.
Turkey sees its track, location, and strong national support as unique assets that could help fill a last-minute gap if Madrid faces further problems.
Uclertopragı believes that, logistics-wise, placing a Turkish Grand Prix near the Azerbaijan race in September could make travel easier and costs lower for F1 teams, since Baku is just a short flight from Istanbul.
While Madrid remains confident that its new facility will be ready for a September 2026 debut, Turkey remains on standby and eager to bring the excitement of Formula 1 back to Istanbul Park.
The next steps depend on the pace of construction in Spain and any future changes in the F1 calendar. For now, Turkey continues working toward a future as a long-term Formula 1 host, backed by both government and fans.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
