The Portuguese Grand Prix will return to the calendar from the F1 2027 season, it has been announced.
It comes after PlanetF1.com revealed in August that the nation was targeting a return to the F1 calendar for 2027.
Portuguese Grand Prix to return for F1 2027 season
The Portuguese Grand Prix was a fixture on the calendar in the 1980s and 1990s, with the Estoril circuit hosting the race between 1984 and 1997.
After an absence of more than two decades, Portugal regained a place on the schedule in the pandemic-affected 2020 season.
That race – held at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao – saw Lewis Hamilton, then of Mercedes, become the most successful driver in the sport’s history in terms of race wins, surpassing Michael Schumacher by collecting his 92nd grand prix victory.
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Portimao remained on the calendar for 2021, moving from a late-October date to early May as Hamilton once again took victory.
Despite its undulating layout being popular among drivers and spectators alike, Portugal failed to retain a place on the calendar for the 2022 season.
Formula 1 has today announced that Portimao will return to the calendar for the 2027 and 2028 seasons after signing a two-year deal.
The event will effectively replace the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will host its final race in 2026.
Stefano Domenicali, the 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.”
Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, said: “Portugal is back on the Formula 1 map.
“The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain – from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs – projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination.
“Hosting the Grand Prix in the Algarve reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies.
“This will be an event that, in addition to being a source of prestige for our country, will enhance Portugal’s image throughout the world.”
Jaime Costa, Chairman and CEO of Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
“The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community.
“This achievement was only made possible with the continuous support – since the beginning – of the Portuguese Government.
“Portimão’s unique ‘rollercoaster’ layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love.
“We look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track.”
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