Five dramatic Portuguese GPs that defined F1 history

Portugal's Algarve International Circuit will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 and 2028, replacing Zandvoort. This marks the latest chapter in the nation's sporadic F1 history, which includes street races in the 1950s and a memorable stint at the Estoril circuit from 1984 to 1996. To celebrate its comeback, here are five of the most dramatic Portuguese Grands Prix that delivered iconic moments, broken records, and championship-deciding drama.

Why it matters:

Portugal's F1 history, though intermittent, has been a consistent producer of legendary moments that helped shape the sport's narrative. From a champion crowned by half a point to a record-shattering victory, these races at Estoril and Portimao have served as crucial stages for drivers to define their legacies. The circuit's return promises to add new chapters to this rich, dramatic history.

The details:

• 1984 Estoril: Lauda's Half-Point Title Niki Lauda arrived at the season finale with a 3.5-point lead over McLaren teammate Alain Prost. Needing only a second-place finish to secure his third title, Lauda started a disappointing 11th. In a charge described by engineer John Barnard as the one time he saw Lauda "chuck everything at it," the Austrian fought through the field. His championship was sealed when Nigel Mansell's Lotus, running a strong second, slowed with brake failure, promoting Lauda to P2 and giving him the title by a mere half-point over race-winner Prost.

• 1985 Estoril: Senna's First Masterclass In torrential conditions, Ayrton Senna claimed his first Formula 1 victory in a display of wet-weather genius. Starting from pole for Lotus, he immediately built a commanding lead. As the rain worsened, Senna famously waved at race control to stop the event, but the race continued. He lapped all but second-place Michele Alboreto, winning by over a minute and announcing himself as a generational talent with a performance that echoed his famous 1984 drive in Monaco.

• 1989 Estoril: Mansell's Pitlane Blunder Nigel Mansell, driving for Ferrari, produced a stunning charge to catch and pass teammate Gerhard Berger for the lead. His race unraveled during his pit stop when he overshot his box. In a moment of madness, Mansell illegally reversed to correct his position—a move that warranted disqualification. He ignored the subsequent black flag, later colliding with Ayrton Senna while fighting for position. Berger won, while Mansell's error helped Alain Prost extend his championship lead.

• 1996 Estoril: Villeneuve's Title Lifeline Jacques Villeneuve needed to outscore Williams teammate Damon Hill by four points to keep the title fight alive. After a poor start dropped him to fourth, a pivotal moment came when he audaciously passed Michael Schumacher's Ferrari around the outside while also lapping a slow Minardi. A faster final pit stop than Hill's allowed Villeneuve to emerge just ahead, and he defended the lead to win. The victory forced a championship decider at the final round in Japan.

• 2020 Portimao: Hamilton's Record 92nd Win In F1's first visit to the Algarve circuit, Lewis Hamilton surpassed Michael Schumacher's once-untouchable record of 91 Grand Prix victories. The race began chaotically on a damp track, with Carlos Sainz Jr. leading briefly on soft tires. Once the track dried, Hamilton, who had fallen behind teammate Valtteri Bottas, used his superior tire management and a DRS pass into Turn 1 on Lap 20 to take a lead he would not relinquish, etching his name into the history books.

Looking ahead:

The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2027 revives a venue known for dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather. Its modern facilities and proven ability to host thrilling races position it as a welcome addition to the future F1 calendar, promising a new stage for the next generation of historic moments.