From Sepang to Istanbul: F1 circuits that should make a return

The Algarve International Circuit, set to feature on the 2027 and 2028 calendars, marks the first time the track has returned to F1 since the 2021 season.

However, the return of the 4.653 km circuit has been greeted with calls for more traditional race tracks to be included in the F1 calendar in subsequent seasons. In light of this, GPblog spotlights a list of race tracks that should return to the calendar.

The iconic 4.574 km circuit leads our list of race tracks that should return to the Formula 1 calendar. The German circuit has treated F1 fans to some of the sport’s most exhilarating wet-weather races, with the most recent being the 2019 edition, where Max Verstappen sealed victory, while Lewis Hamilton ended up in the gravel trap.

The race track boasts some of F1’s fondest memories and traditions, and a return to the calendar would see one of F1’s most storied tracks make a comeback.

The Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is another track that would be welcome back to the F1 calendar. The Malaysian circuit last featured on the F1 roster in 2017, after a 19-season streak on the calendar.

The track was dropped amid reports of declining ticket sales and several other factors. However, this does nothing to diminish its wide layout, which offers numerous overtaking opportunities during races. Recently, former F1 driver Karun Chandhok also called for the return of the Sepang track to F1.

The Istanbul Park circuit also makes our list of tracks that should return to F1. The Tuzla-based circuit hosted Grand Prix races as recently as 2020 and 2021 and is famous for its challenging Turn 8.

The track, which features a high-speed, downhill, multi-apex corner, is a classic modern circuit known to test drivers’ commitment.

The most recent race held in Istanbul in 2021 featured a wheel-to-wheel battle between Sergio Perez and Hamilton, with the then-Red Bull driver successfully fending off the seven-time world champion.

A return of Formula 1 to the African continent would also be highly welcomed, particularly as the sport continues to expand.

F1 last raced on the African continent in 1993, with the Kyalami Circuit hosting the South African Grand Prix, which Alain Prost won in his Williams.

A push for the return of a race in Africa has since gathered momentum, with several countries expressing interest in hosting a Grand Prix.

More recently, Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, provided a positive update about the possibility of the East African nation hosting an F1 race.

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