It has been three years since the last edition in 2021, won by Valtteri Bottas ahead of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but Turkey seems far from ready to abandon Formula 1. Istanbul Park was part of the Formula 1 calendar from 2005 to 2011, then disappeared before returning ten years later in 2020 due to the pandemic, during which Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh World Championship title.
However, Turkey’s grand return to the calendar lasted only two years, with the Grand Prix not being renewed in 2022, mainly due to the previous organizer’s lack of funds necessary for the circuit’s maintenance.
This led to a new bidding process, with the new winner expected to guarantee the return of the Turkish GP by 2026.
This past March, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan already met in the Turkish resort town of Marmaris to discuss the Grand Prix’s return to the calendar, with the talks yielding positive developments.
“We fought a great legal battle because there was significant anarchy,” recently stated Eren Üçlertoprağı, president of TOSFED (Turkish Automobile Sports Federation), to motorsport.com.
“We have been waiting for this tender since we took over management. We wanted to move to a new business model that includes sports and athletes. Thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Directorate of Foundations, TOSFED athletes will be able to use this location for 30 days. We were given this opportunity regardless of who the operator is.”
Regarding the condition of the circuit, he added: “The last time we saw the track was during Formula 1. When we entered, there were weeds over a meter high. Inside the building, everything had been dismantled. Even the furniture was taken away.”
“The timing device, which is very important for the track, was also missing, without which it would not be Grade 1 in the eyes of the FIA. It’s impossible that it was stolen, as it’s a device built by the state and is essential for the circuit. The corridors connecting to the stands were also flooded.”
“We submitted our report on the necessary requirements for this track to return to FIA Grade 1 status. Once these deficiencies are addressed, a protocol will be signed with the operators, and many races will be held here, which our people can watch for free.”
“If these landscaping agreements are reached, we could start using the track the next day. The General Directorate of Foundations and the new tenant must reach an agreement on this point. If the necessary agreements are made, I believe we could start organizing races this summer.”
Ben Sulayem’s Promise
Continuing the discussion, Üçlertoprağı provided more details on the conversation between Erdogan and Ben Sulayem: “During the meeting, support for including Turkey in the calendar was promised if the necessary conditions are met. The FIA president made this promise personally.”
“As far as we know, negotiations between the current contractor and Formula 1 are on track. The financial package must be prepared, and if the contractor fulfills it, the chances of realization are high. The condition for Formula 1 in 2026 is already included in the contract.”
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