Portimão Returns to F1 Calendar for 2027 and 2028 Seasons

The Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 and 2028, with races to be held at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The announcement marks the circuit's first scheduled appearance since it hosted races during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 and 2021 seasons, securing Portugal's place on the F1 map for the future.

Why it matters:

The return of Portimão highlights the intense competition among circuits to secure a spot on the increasingly crowded F1 calendar. With a firm cap of 24 races per season, the addition of any new venue inevitably means another must drop off, directly impacting the geographical and commercial landscape of the sport. For Portugal, it reaffirms the country's status as a viable Grand Prix host with a dedicated fanbase.

The details:

• The deal was confirmed by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who praised the circuit's exciting layout and the passion of Portuguese fans.
• Portimão first joined the F1 calendar in 2020 as a replacement venue during the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting races again in 2021.
• Lewis Hamilton won both of those previous editions, with Max Verstappen securing a podium on each occasion.
• The announcement follows the recent confirmation that the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will not continue beyond 2026, creating an immediate vacancy on the schedule.

The big picture:

Portugal has a long but intermittent history with Formula 1. The country hosted its first Grands Prix in the late 1950s before a more consistent run from 1984 to 1996 at the Estoril circuit. Portimão's modern facility and challenging, undulating layout made it a popular stand-in during the pandemic, and its return on a multi-year deal suggests F1 sees long-term value in the region. The move is part of a broader calendar reshuffle, which has also seen the introduction of a new Spanish Grand Prix at the MadRing for 2026, while the traditional Barcelona event was renamed.

What's next:

The official 2027 calendar will be finalized closer to the time, but Portimão's inclusion is now locked in. Attention will turn to which other event loses its slot to accommodate the Portuguese return, with the future of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix still uncertain beyond 2026. The confirmation provides stability for the Algarve circuit and Portuguese fans while setting the stage for another round of musical chairs among global F1 venues.