F1 confirms Portuguese Grand Prix return to Portimao for 2027

Formula 1 has officially announced the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimao) on a two-year contract, beginning in the 2027 season. The circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2021, is set to rejoin the calendar as the effective replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which is scheduled to depart after the 2026 event.

Why it matters:

The return of the Portuguese GP marks a significant shift in the European leg of the F1 calendar, reintroducing a popular and challenging circuit while filling a slot left by another fan-favorite venue. For Portugal, it represents a major economic and promotional opportunity, projecting the country and the Algarve region onto the global sporting stage. The move also reflects the intense competition among circuits to secure a spot on the crowded F1 schedule, where demand is at an all-time high.

The details:

• Portimao first returned to the F1 calendar in 2020 as a pandemic replacement, hosting the first Portuguese GP since 1996. That race saw Lewis Hamilton secure his 92nd victory, breaking Michael Schumacher's long-standing record.
• The circuit hosted the event again in 2021 before dropping off as other international races resumed.
• Not a rotational slot: The new deal is understood to be a direct replacement for Zandvoort, not for the Belgian Grand Prix's new biennial slot, which will see Spa-Francorchamps host races every other year from 2027 to 2031.
• Economic and regional boost: Portuguese officials highlighted the Grand Prix's expected impact on tourism, trade, and local economies, reinforcing Portugal as a competitive destination.
• Circuit appeal: Track officials emphasized Portimao's unique "rollercoaster" layout, known for its elevation changes and challenging corners, as a key draw for drivers and fans.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the 2027 season, where Portimao will aim to make a memorable return. With Zandvoort's exit after 2026, the Portuguese Grand Prix will carry the responsibility of delivering a high-energy European event. The two-year contract provides a window for the event to re-establish itself, with future extensions likely dependent on its commercial success and fan reception. Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, expressed his anticipation for the circuit's "emphatic" return, signaling high expectations for the event's organization and spectacle.