Cancelled Grand Prix Circuit Looking To Make 2026 Return After Poor Profitability

The Istanbul Park circuit in Turkey, once sidelined from the Formula 1 schedule, is now set for a potential comeback by 2026. This follows a change in operation and a fresh bid to revitalize its appeal to both fans and the F1 administration. The circuit’s new operating rights have been secured by Can Bilim Egitim Kurumlari A.S., a company partly owned by Lale Cander, the chairwoman of Pirelli’s Turkish operations. They’ve clinched a 30-year management deal valued at $118 million, according to broadcaster Haberturk.

Istanbul Park first hit the F1 calendar in 2005 but was dropped after the 2011 season due to financial disagreements and a perceived lack of promotion leading to poor profitability. Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 owner, specifically criticized the event organizers for their inadequate promotional efforts.

A year later in 2012, Ecclestone admitted he was sorry to see it leave the calendar.

“I was sorry when the contract ended, but it’s always possible to go back to Turkey,” Ecclestone admitted to Haberturk. “I was sorry because it’s a great track and Istanbul is a great city.

“Both the teams and the FIA were very happy to be in Istanbul … If the problem with the government [over the race-hosting fee] can be resolved, then Turkey could return to the calendar.”

Efforts to relocate the race to Tuzla in 2013 were unsuccessful when the required government financial support did not materialize. However, the track made a temporary return in 2020 and 2021 as Liberty Media, the current F1 rights holder, sought to fill gaps in the race calendar caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite high praise from drivers and fans for its layout and challenge, especially the Diabolica corner, the event struggled with live attendance, leading to its second removal from the schedule.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, alongside FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has expressed a strong interest in reintegrating Istanbul Park into the F1 calendar. This comes as no surprise with the sport reaching new heights of popularity and profit. Now, Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has echoed this sentiment with the hope of reinstating it for the 2026 season by giving the responsibility to Can Bilim Egitim Kurumlari A.S.

According to the agreement, for every year after 2026 that the circuit does not host the F1, they will be forced to pay 25% of the hosting contract fee to the administration. The contract also stipulates that they can build shops and entertainment venues around the circuit to improve profitability.

It’s expected that representatives from Liberty Media will be inspecting the circuit soon.