Portuguese Grand Prix to return to F1 calendar in 2027 & 2028
Formula 1 announced today that Portugal will return to the calendar for the first time since 2021.
The Grands Prix, set to take place in 2027 and 2028, will be held at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimão, which stepped in to stage races in the Covid-affected seasons in 2020 and 2021. Lewis Hamilton was victorious on both occasions, with his 2021 success putting him ahead of Michael Schumacher and into the record books for all-time race wins.
The track’s use in 2020 marked the first time that Formula 1 had raced in Portugal since the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1996, which took place at the Autódromo do Estoril, near Lisbon. Estoril was also famously the location of Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix win in 1985.
What is the circuit like?
The 2.89 mile circuit opened in 2008 and is known for its undulating nature, with some people saying it resembles tracks like Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps for its level of technical challenge. There is also plenty of overtaking room due to the circuit’s width and the dramatic elevation changes culminate in a downhill sprint to the final right hand turn.
The Portimão Circuit is also notable for being a filming location for the first ever episode of The Grand Tour.
credit - Sentoan
“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner”
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “I’m delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase. The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.
"The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa, for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal.
"I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”
The Portuguese Grand Prix will effectively replace the Dutch Grand Prix, which is set to exit the F1 calendar after the 2026 race.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Mercedes-Benz F1