Historic Portuguese Grand Prix returns for 2027 as Verstappen tests GT3 car
F1 announces the Portuguese Grand Prix will return at Portimão in 2027, while Max Verstappen tests a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car during the off-season. The news roundup also covers Verstappen and Alonso's perfect qualifying records, Piastri's praise for champion Norris, and a look ahead to 2026.
Formula 1 has confirmed the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Portimão circuit on a two-year deal starting in 2027. Meanwhile, reigning champion Max Verstappen has been testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Portugal, continuing his active post-season schedule.
Why it matters:
The return of the Portuguese GP marks a significant calendar expansion and revives a historic European race. Portimão's modern facilities and challenging layout were a hit with drivers and fans when it hosted races during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 and 2021 seasons. For Verstappen, his continued GT3 testing underscores his passion for racing outside F1 and fuels speculation about his long-term motorsport interests beyond his Red Bull contract.
The details:
- Portuguese GP Return: The Algarve International Circuit in Portimão will host the race from 2027 under a two-year agreement. The track last held an F1 grand prix in 2021.
- Historic Context: Portimão famously hosted the 2020 Portuguese GP, where Lewis Hamilton secured his 92nd career victory to surpass Michael Schumacher's all-time win record.
- Verstappen's GT3 Test: The four-time world champion tested a Mercedes-AMG GT3, adding to his growing portfolio of GT racing experience this year, which included a victory in an endurance race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
- Qualifying Perfection: In related 2025 season analysis, both Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso achieved the rare feat of out-qualifying their teammates at every grand prix.
- Norris Praised: New champion Lando Norris received praise from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who called him a "deserving champion" after their season-long title fight.
What's next:
The 2027 calendar addition reflects F1's strategy of blending historic European venues with new global destinations. For drivers like Verstappen, the off-season provides a window to explore other racing disciplines, while the F1 world turns its attention to 2026 regulation changes and the impending debut of rookies like Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls.