F1 confirms Portuguese GP return at Portimão from 2027
The Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the F1 calendar in 2027 at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, replacing the departing Dutch GP at Zandvoort. The venue, which hosted races in 2020 and 2021, has secured a flexible two-year deal amid record-high global demand to host Formula 1 events.
Formula 1 will return to Portugal in 2027, with the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão securing a two-year deal to host the Portuguese Grand Prix. The agreement effectively replaces the departing Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will leave the calendar after the 2026 season.
Why it matters:
The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix marks a significant shift in the European leg of the F1 calendar and reflects the intense competition among circuits to secure a spot. With Zandvoort opting out of a rotational agreement, Portimão's re-emergence highlights the circuit's value as a proven, exciting venue that played a crucial role during the pandemic-disrupted seasons.
The details:
- The two-year deal was signed with the Portuguese government, the national tourism board (Turismo de Portugal), and the circuit promoter, Parkalgar.
- The contract is notably shorter than many recent F1 agreements, providing flexibility for both the sport and the venue in a landscape where demand to host a Grand Prix is at an all-time high.
- Portimão last hosted F1 races in 2020 and 2021, serving as a reliable and popular replacement venue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the circuit's exciting layout and the passion of the Portuguese fanbase, thanking government officials for their support in bringing the sport back.
The big picture:
Portugal has a long history with Formula 1, dating back to a Grand Prix in Porto in 1958. Portimão's modern facility and challenging, undulating layout have made it a favorite among drivers and fans. Its return, even on a short-term deal, secures a European classic on the calendar while the sport continues to expand into new markets like the United States and the Middle East.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to the 2027 season, when Portimão will officially rejoin the F1 calendar. The relatively short duration of the contract means both its future beyond 2028 and the final composition of the calendar for that era remain open questions, subject to the ongoing high-stakes negotiations between F1 and potential host venues around the world.