FIA discusses return of Formula 1 Turkish GP with President Erdogan. Mohammed Ben Sulayem discussed the possible return of the F1 Turkish GP with president Erdogan.

The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the tourist city of Marmaris on Sunday, where the two discussed the possibility of the F1 and World Rally Championship’s return.

The meeting was hosted by former Turkish rally champion and member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council Serkan Yazici and Eren ÜçlertoprağI, president of TOSFED, the Turkish Motorsport Federation.

Regarding the discussions, Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated, “It was a pleasure to meet President Erdogan. Our talks focused on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of the return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey.”

“Istanbul Park is a modern circuit highly appreciated by the drivers, while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis that would warmly welcome the return of Formula 1. President Erdogan also recognizes the importance of the economic and cultural impact that top-level motorsport – Formula 1 and WRC – brings to the country. TOSFED, our member club in Turkey, has great experience in organizing and managing major motorsport events. If the stars align, we could witness the return of both top-level global events to Turkey.”

Turkey hosted an F1 race at the Istanbul Park circuit from 2005 to 2011 and returned to the calendar in the Covid-affected years, namely in 2020 and 2021. The country also hosted 10 WRC events from 2003 to 2010 (excluding 2007) and then from 2018 to 2020.

The FIA’s desire to reintroduce Turkey to the F1 calendar follows pressure from Istanbul Park’s owners to secure a new contract. The current lessee Intercity’s lease has expired, and the General Directorate of Foundations has announced a new tender. The demands include a lease fee of $117 million for the entire contract duration, along with an additional requirement for the new owners to ensure entry into the F1 calendar from 2026 – with an agreement with FOM signed within a month of acquiring the facility.

The lease contract stipulates: “The Contractor guarantees the holding of Formula 1 races on the real estate, and the protocol to be signed by reaching an agreement on the holding of Formula 1 races on our real estate within a month of signing the contract. In case of disagreement, the contract will be terminated, and the deposited guarantees will be recorded as revenue for the Administration.”

The winner, whose announcement is expected in April, will also be responsible for investments in the development of the Istanbul Park circuit and the surrounding areas.