Turkish GP returns for 2027, Audi names McNish as Racing Director

The Turkish Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 with a new five-year deal, bringing the fan-favorite Istanbul Park circuit back full-time. In a separate major announcement, Audi has appointed three-time Le Mans winner and former Toyota F1 driver Allan McNish as its Racing Director, a key leadership role supporting Team Principal Mattia Binotto.

Why it matters:

The confirmation of Turkey's return signals F1's continued expansion into key markets and revives a circuit renowned for its challenging layout, particularly the iconic multi-apex Turn 8. Meanwhile, Audi's appointment of the highly experienced McNish provides crucial stability and racing expertise trackside, filling a significant gap left by Jonathan Wheatley's departure as the German manufacturer builds towards its 2026 works team entry.

The details:

• Turkish GP Deal: The race at Istanbul Park is locked in from 2027-2031. The circuit last hosted F1 during the pandemic-altered 2020 and 2021 seasons, where it produced dramatic and memorable races.
• Audi's Leadership Move: Allan McNish, already leading Audi's driver development program, will now oversee all trackside operations as Racing Director. This role is designed to support Mattia Binotto, allowing the Team Principal to focus on broader technical and strategic leadership.
• Herta's Reflections: American driver Colton Herta revealed on the Beyond the Grid podcast that a 2023 drive with AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB) was a "very real" possibility that collapsed due to his Super Licence points shortage, making his current Cadillac-backed F2 path crucial for his F1 ambitions.
• 2026 Technical Divergence: Early analysis of the new 2026 car designs shows teams are adopting radically different aerodynamic solutions, particularly in their approach to managing floor slots and tyre degradation, setting up a key technical battleground.

What's next:

The 2027 calendar now begins to take concrete shape with Turkey's inclusion, likely prompting further speculation about other traditional venues. For Audi, McNish's integration into the race team will be closely watched as a barometer of their operational readiness. Colton Herta will continue his pursuit of a Super Licence through F2 and FP1 sessions with the Cadillac project, aiming for a 2027 seat.