Portugal's Portimao Returns to F1 Calendar for 2027 and 2028

Portugal's Algarve International Circuit in Portimao will host Formula 1 Grands Prix in 2027 and 2028, marking the circuit's return after its popular appearances during the pandemic-affected seasons. The deal effectively fills the slot left by the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which is confirmed to leave the calendar after 2026.

Why it matters:

The return of Portimao underscores the intense competition among venues to secure a spot on the expanding F1 calendar and highlights the sport's strategy of rotating certain races to maintain global interest. For fans and drivers, it brings back a modern, challenging circuit that has already created memorable moments in its brief F1 history.

The details:

• The 4.6km Portimao circuit, known for its dramatic elevation changes and technical layout, last hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 when it was called upon to fill gaps in the COVID-19-disrupted schedules.
• Its return is part of a direct replacement strategy, taking the place of the Zandvoort event on the calendar for those two years.
• The circuit holds significant historical weight for Lewis Hamilton, who there secured his record-breaking 92nd career victory in 2021, surpassing Michael Schumacher's all-time wins record. Hamilton also won the 2020 race and remains the only current driver to have won at the track.
• Portugal itself has a long F1 history, dating back to its first World Championship Grand Prix in Porto in 1958, with events also previously held at Monsanto and Estoril.

What's next:

The confirmation solidifies the evolving shape of the F1 calendar in the latter half of the decade. While Zandvoort's departure after 2026 is confirmed, the Portuguese deal is currently only for two years, suggesting F1 is keeping its options open for future calendar rotations. The focus now shifts to 2026, before Portimao's scheduled return the following season.