Portimao will return to Formula 1 for the 2027 and 2028 seasons

10:00, 16 Dec

Updated: 10:15, 16 Dec

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byKada Sarkozi

The Portuguese Grand Prix is set to make its return on the Formula 1 calendar.

Portimao will return to Formula 1 for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The Algarve International Circuit has been a regular in the MotoGP series since the Covid-19 pandemic, and F1 will once again host Grands Prix at the track.

Portugal's Formula 1 history

The first Portuguese Grands Prix in history were contested in Monsanto and Porto in 1959 and 1960. The country began appearing regularly on the calendar from 1984 until 1996 at the Estoril circuit.

Portimao became an option for Formula 1 during the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of two weekends were hosted at the Algarve International Circuit in 2020 and 2021.

Lewis Hamilton won the race on both occasions. Max Verstappen finished third and second over the two years at the Portuguese track. Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas is the only other driver to have a podium at the circuit.

Hamilton and Verstappen shaking hands after the 2021 Portugues GP - Photo: Race Pictures

F1 CEO and President, Stefano Domenicali, said: "I’m 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 circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.

"The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal.

"I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”

What does this mean for other tracks?

Currently, there are 24 Grands Prix in a Formula 1 season, and over the past years, Domenicali underlined that this is the most the competition would have in a single year.

In 2026, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was replaced by the new Spanish GP at the MadRing circuit, while the weekend in Barcelona was renamed Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

For the 2027 season, two tracks on the 2026 calendar will not have a contract. The Dutch Grand Prix will not continue beyond next year, while Barcelona's future is also yet to be secured.

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