Formula 1 returns to Portugal with Portimão deal from 2027

Formula 1 will return to Portugal in 2027, with the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão confirmed to host the Portuguese Grand Prix for at least two seasons. The announcement marks the latest implementation of F1's rotation plan for European races, designed to modernize the calendar while incorporating historic circuits.

Why it matters:

The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix highlights Formula 1's strategic effort to balance new venues with classic European tracks through a flexible rotation model. It secures a popular and challenging circuit a place on the future calendar while addressing the sport's need to manage an increasingly crowded schedule and introduce new markets.

The details:

• The Algarve International Circuit will host the race in 2027 and 2028 as part of a two-year initial agreement.
• The deal is a direct result of F1's new rotation strategy for European events, which was announced earlier this year.
• Portimão previously hosted races in 2020 and 2021 as a last-minute addition during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Lewis Hamilton winning both events.
• While not officially confirmed, the Portuguese Grand Prix is widely expected to fill the slot left vacant after the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort departs the calendar following the 2026 season.
• The rotation plan has already seen other adjustments, with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps confirmed to rotate and will be absent in 2028 and 2030.

The big picture:

Portugal has a long history in Formula 1, dating back to its first Grand Prix in Porto in 1958, with subsequent races held at Monsanto and Estoril. Portimão's modern facility and thrilling, undulating layout made a strong impression during its pandemic-era appearances, earning praise from drivers and fans alike. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm, stating the return will "continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase" and that the circuit "delivers great action from the first metre to the finish line."

What's next:

The confirmation solidifies the evolving shape of the F1 calendar in the latter part of the decade. With Portimão's return and the ongoing rotation of other European classics, the sport is actively curating a mix of legacy and new venues. The focus now shifts to finalizing the full 2027 schedule and seeing how Portimão integrates into a standard season, outside of the unusual circumstances of its previous appearances.