Is Madrid at risk? Turkey steps forward
In early June, Formula 1 officially released its calendar for the 2026 season. One of the most notable changes was the removal of Imola, the historic Italian circuit, which had to make way for the debut of a brand-new street circuit in the Spanish capital of Madrid. Starting in 2026, Madrid is scheduled to host the Spanish Grand Prix, replacing the long-standing venue in Emilia-Romagna.
However, there are growing concerns surrounding the readiness of the Madrid street circuit. The track has yet to be fully completed and still needs to pass all necessary homologation processes before being eligible to host a Formula 1 race. As a result, speculation has started to build around possible alternatives in case Madrid is unable to meet the required standards in time.
Initially, it was widely believed that Imola would be the first in line to take over in the event that any of the 24 scheduled Grands Prix for the 2026 season had to be cancelled or postponed. But according to a report published today by Motorsport.com, Istanbul Park has emerged as a strong candidate and is now positioning itself as a serious contender. The Turkish circuit is aiming not only to step in as a replacement if necessary, but also to secure a long-term place on the Formula 1 calendar in the years to come.
Government backing boosts Istanbul’s bid
Speaking openly to the Turkish edition of Motorsport.com, the president of the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation, Eren Uclertopragi, made it clear that there is strong political will behind the push to bring Formula 1 back to Turkey on a permanent basis.
“There is a strong commitment from our government to bring Turkey back into the Formula 1 calendar through a long-term agreement,” Uclertopragi stated. “As is well known, the 2026 calendar has already been announced. However, in the event that any scheduled race cannot be held for various reasons, we would be ready to host the Turkish Grand Prix.”
Unlike the 2020 and 2021 seasons—when Istanbul Park stepped in temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic to replace other circuits that could not host races due to travel restrictions—this time, the goal is to return to the championship not as a stopgap, but as a permanent venue. In those pandemic years, Istanbul Park hosted two successful Grands Prix, gaining positive feedback from teams, drivers, and fans alike. Now, Turkey wants to build on that success with a more stable presence in Formula 1.
Direct support from President Erdoğan
Uclertopragi also emphasized that the initiative is being driven at the highest level of government, with support coming directly from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “We are currently receiving significant backing and encouragement from our government,” he explained. “All payments and procedures related to the race would be completed under a state guarantee.”
The Turkish federation’s recent decision to take full control of Istanbul Park gives it a strategic advantage. “As a federation, we have assumed management of Istanbul Park, which gives us a major benefit. Not only are we acting as the event promoter, but we are also the officially recognized national sporting authority by the FIA,” Uclertopragi continued. “The fact that this race would be organized with the full force and backing of our government means we are in a strong position to deliver a seamless event.”
A growing threat to Imola
These remarks underscore the serious nature of Turkey’s ambitions and represent a significant development in the broader context of Formula 1’s future calendar plans. While Imola was previously seen as the natural fallback option, Istanbul Park now appears to be mounting a far more determined and politically supported campaign. With state guarantees, federation control, and the legacy of recent successful races, Turkey could be in pole position to step in should Madrid falter—and perhaps even beyond 2026.
For Imola, which was quietly waiting in the wings, this Turkish momentum could prove to be a serious setback. If Madrid’s debut is delayed and Istanbul Park proves ready and willing with a stronger financial and logistical foundation, Formula 1 may opt for the Turkish venue instead—shifting the balance of power in the battle for a place on the F1 calendar.
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