Portugal is set to make shock return to the F1 schedule

Just days after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula 1 has announced that it will return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028 as part of a two-year agreement with the Portuguese government, Turismo de Portugal, and promoter Parkalgar, Parques Tecnológicos e Desportivos.

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, more commonly known as Portimão, last hosted F1 events in 2020 and 2021, and was a key venue in the sport’s return to racing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Set in the idyllic Algarve in Portugal’s southernmost region, the 4.6km circuit offers drivers a technical challenge with significant elevation changes, culminating in a plunge down to the final right-hander leading back to the pit straight.

Portugal has a long history in Formula 1, hosting its first Grand Prix in Porto in 1958, as well as holding race weekends in Monsanto and Estoril across the sport’s 75 years. Some of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 have reached the top step on the podium in Portugal including Stirling Moss, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. Senna famously won his first Formula 1 Grand Prix at Estoril in 1985.

More recently, Portimão was the circuit where Lewis Hamilton surpassed Michael Schumacher’s record of all-time wins after he secured his 92nd victory in 2021. Hamilton remains the only driver on the current grid to win at the circuit having also taken the chequered flag in 2020.

Commenting on the announcement, Formula One’s President and CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “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,” Domenical concluded.

Reflecting on the deal, Manuel Castro Almeida who works as the 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.”

Speaking on behalf of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, the circuits’s CEO Jaime Costa added: “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,” Costa added.