The F1 calendar is currently packed with a record-breaking 24 races in a single season. However, there is a possibility of the Turkish Grand Prix making a comeback in 2026. This beloved race is vying for a spot on the F1 calendar and fans all around the world are eagerly anticipating its return.
The Istanbul Park circuit, which last hosted a race in 2021, was a huge hit among both fans and drivers. It will soon be put up for public tender, and the Turkish Federation is hopeful that the new owners will modernize the circuit, making it even more appealing to F1 and its owners, Liberty Media.
Turkey first appeared on the F1 calendar in 2005, with emerging as the victor. However, the current tender holder has been unable to renew their ownership due to economic constraints. The federation intends to grant a 30-year ownership right to the new tender winner, with the condition that they revamp the circuit and bring the race back to the country.
The F1 calendar is already at its maximum capacity, according to various drivers. In the past, there were only around a dozen F1 races held worldwide, but this number has now doubled. If Formula One Management is unwilling to increase the number of races from 24 to 25, then one of the existing races may have to be sacrificed to make room for the Turkish Grand Prix. The addition of Madrid to the calendar has already forced Liberty Media to not renew contracts with races whose terms are expiring next year.
Races such as China, Netherlands, Monza, Imola, Mexico, Monaco, and Spa could be in danger of losing their spots on the calendar. Furthermore, if the Turkish Grand Prix joins the lineup, even more historic tracks may be at risk. With the growing trend of hosting multiple races in the USA, it is possible that more than one race could be removed from the calendar.
According to the Source firstsportz.com