Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
2027 Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix Press Conference | Istanbul, Turkiye
A press conference was held at Istanbul Park regarding Istanbul’s return to the Formula 1 calendar, with the participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, and TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s announcement at the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix (GP) Promotion Program held yesterday at the Dolmabahçe Working Office marked the finish line of a long marathon for them. He emphasized that the process was successfully completed through coordinated efforts among many stakeholders.
Minister Ersoy highlighted that Istanbul Park has been included in the Formula 1 calendar for at least five years starting from 2027, saying:
“As a ministry, we focus on the benefits of Formula 1. We see that Formula 1 increases tourism demand by 6%. It becomes a reason for people—who had not previously considered that city for a holiday destination—to choose it.”
Pointing out that Istanbul is the meeting point of two continents, Ersoy added:
“We will do our homework and prepare in the best possible way. We examined the most recent race held in Singapore. We must channel the leverage effect of Formula 1 to Istanbul. Formula 1 brings high-quality tourists. Data from Singapore shows that visitors coming for the race account for 40% of total spending. Istanbul, the capital of empires and the meeting point of civilizations, is ready for this organization. The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has already begun joint efforts in many areas, especially with Formula 1 management. Before the race, we will implement a comprehensive F1 campaign in our target international markets. I would like to thank our President for his interest and support, as well as all stakeholders who brought this organization back to our country. May it be beneficial for our country and Istanbul.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak said:
“With our President announcing to the whole world that Formula 1 is returning to Istanbul, an incredible excitement has emerged. We thank our Minister of Culture and Tourism. We discussed evaluating this track, which is under the General Directorate of Foundations, together and have already started working.”
Emphasizing that they consulted everyone who had previously been involved in Formula 1, Minister Bak stated:
“When we met with young people, they kept asking, ‘Will Formula 1 return?’ It is a major global organization with significant costs—a huge industry. But we want to convey this excitement: this place will now become an attraction center for young people. They will be part of an organization followed by thousands, even millions. This will now be the center of adrenaline and energy in Turkey. A tremendous beginning.”
Bak also underlined that Istanbul Park is one of the largest sports investments in the history of the Republic:
“There is a need for modernization here, and we will achieve it. I believe we will do great work during this process. Additional championships will be organized. Various fairs and events will take place here. Our President’s vision has made us very happy. He understands sports very well. We will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy. We thank everyone who contributed—may it be beneficial. Together, we will show Turkey’s strength to the whole world.”
TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı stated that it was an emotional and significant day, marking the end of a long journey that began 10 years ago. He emphasized that many things changed when Serkan Yazıcı became federation president in 2016:
“When Serkan Yazıcı took over, the situation was not very promising. The federation had lost its connection with the state. Thankfully, today we are fulfilling a very important mission with the support of our state. It was crucial that our President approved and permitted this project. With the opportunities provided by our state, I believe we have achieved a very important success. The track had been closed to racing for over 10 years. Today, we are proud to bring Formula 1 back to our country. With the great vision of both ministers, bringing Formula 1 back is extremely important. Negotiations lasted 15 months, and there were serious operational responsibilities. The global interest in Formula 1 and the success achieved have become very significant. I extend my gratitude to everyone.”
Following the speeches, Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, and TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı inspected the track. After Ministers Ersoy and Bak waved the checkered flag to signal the start, Patrick Friesacher performed a demonstration drive at Istanbul Park in a Red Bull car.
2027 Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix Press Conference | Istanbul, Turkiye
A press conference was held at Istanbul Park regarding Istanbul’s return to the Formula 1 calendar, with the participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, and TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s announcement at the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix (GP) Promotion Program held yesterday at the Dolmabahçe Working Office marked the finish line of a long marathon for them. He emphasized that the process was successfully completed through coordinated efforts among many stakeholders.
Minister Ersoy highlighted that Istanbul Park has been included in the Formula 1 calendar for at least five years starting from 2027, saying:
“As a ministry, we focus on the benefits of Formula 1. We see that Formula 1 increases tourism demand by 6%. It becomes a reason for people—who had not previously considered that city for a holiday destination—to choose it.”
Pointing out that Istanbul is the meeting point of two continents, Ersoy added:
“We will do our homework and prepare in the best possible way. We examined the most recent race held in Singapore. We must channel the leverage effect of Formula 1 to Istanbul. Formula 1 brings high-quality tourists. Data from Singapore shows that visitors coming for the race account for 40% of total spending. Istanbul, the capital of empires and the meeting point of civilizations, is ready for this organization. The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has already begun joint efforts in many areas, especially with Formula 1 management. Before the race, we will implement a comprehensive F1 campaign in our target international markets. I would like to thank our President for his interest and support, as well as all stakeholders who brought this organization back to our country. May it be beneficial for our country and Istanbul.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak said:
“With our President announcing to the whole world that Formula 1 is returning to Istanbul, an incredible excitement has emerged. We thank our Minister of Culture and Tourism. We discussed evaluating this track, which is under the General Directorate of Foundations, together and have already started working.”
Emphasizing that they consulted everyone who had previously been involved in Formula 1, Minister Bak stated:
“When we met with young people, they kept asking, ‘Will Formula 1 return?’ It is a major global organization with significant costs—a huge industry. But we want to convey this excitement: this place will now become an attraction center for young people. They will be part of an organization followed by thousands, even millions. This will now be the center of adrenaline and energy in Turkey. A tremendous beginning.”
Bak also underlined that Istanbul Park is one of the largest sports investments in the history of the Republic:
“There is a need for modernization here, and we will achieve it. I believe we will do great work during this process. Additional championships will be organized. Various fairs and events will take place here. Our President’s vision has made us very happy. He understands sports very well. We will co-host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy. We thank everyone who contributed—may it be beneficial. Together, we will show Turkey’s strength to the whole world.”
TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı stated that it was an emotional and significant day, marking the end of a long journey that began 10 years ago. He emphasized that many things changed when Serkan Yazıcı became federation president in 2016:
“When Serkan Yazıcı took over, the situation was not very promising. The federation had lost its connection with the state. Thankfully, today we are fulfilling a very important mission with the support of our state. It was crucial that our President approved and permitted this project. With the opportunities provided by our state, I believe we have achieved a very important success. The track had been closed to racing for over 10 years. Today, we are proud to bring Formula 1 back to our country. With the great vision of both ministers, bringing Formula 1 back is extremely important. Negotiations lasted 15 months, and there were serious operational responsibilities. The global interest in Formula 1 and the success achieved have become very significant. I extend my gratitude to everyone.”
Following the speeches, Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, and TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı inspected the track. After Ministers Ersoy and Bak waved the checkered flag to signal the start, Patrick Friesacher performed a demonstration drive at Istanbul Park in a Red Bull car.
