Portuguese Grand Prix to return to F1 Calendar in 2027 and 2028

The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix to the F1 Calendar in 2027 and 2028 has been confirmed. With the challenging “rollercoaster” layout of the Portimão circuit, this is bound to add excitement to a year which is already so pivotal in F1 history.

Characterised by fast corners, blind crests, and sudden elevation changes, the Portimão track was built in 2008. Officially known as the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, this fan-favourite impressed drivers and fans when it hosted races during the Covid-impacted 2020 and 2021 seasons. The 4.6km track is now set to replace the Dutch GP at Zandvoort with a new two-year deal.

The President and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, described the track as entertaining from start to finish

New FIA regulations for 2026 focus on sustainability, safety and increased competitiveness. This will lead to more on-track entertainment for viewers as well, due to more dramatic battles between drivers.

The reintroduction of the Portimão race, ending with the steep downhill section of track before the last right-hand corner, is certain to add to this intensity. It is drastic elevation changes like these which have led to comparisons between Portimão and famously demanding tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps and the original Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Most circuits on the current, 24-race F1 calendar have contracts going into the 2030s, but there will be some other changes to the calendar in the coming years. For example, the Belgian Grand Prix is set to rotate with another, unconfirmed track until 2031, and a new street circuit in Madrid will replace the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Italy.

Fans have a full season to wait to see the introduction of Portimão

However, Portugal shares a longer history with the sport. The country first hosted an F1 race in 1958 in Porto, and went on to host races in Monsanto, Estoril and Portimão. Senna won his first Grand Prix in 1985 in Estoril in Portugal, and in 2020 and 2021, Lewis Hamilton achieved victory at Portimão. This makes him the only driver on the current F1 grid to have won at this track. His 2020 win was his 92nd victory, marking the moment in which he beat Michael Shumacher’s record of all-time wins.

The President and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, described the track as entertaining from start to finish, claiming that he is ‘delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase.’

The track, in the hills of the Algarve, is relatively close to the coast, as well as the cities Portimão and Lagos. The reintroduction of the Portuguese Grand Prix will boost the Portuguese economy, increasing opportunities for local businesses and tourism. Chairman and CEO of Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Jaime Costa, said: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community.’

For now, fans have a full season to wait to see the introduction of Portimão, and until March to watch the next race at the Australian GP.