Formula 1 announced that Portimao, Portugal, will return to the calendar in 2027-28 with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort exiting after the end of its six-year contract in 2026.
The 2.891-mile Algarve International circuit in southern Portugal was built in 2008 and hosted F1 events in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic to help fill gaps in the calendar due to global travel restrictions.
Now it will get at least a two-year stint on F1’s 24-race calendar. Lewis Hamilton won the previous two grand prix in Portimao, both while with Mercedes.
“I’m delighted to see Portimao return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fan base,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.
“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered 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.”
Portugal does have a lengthy F1 history, with 2027 marking the 19th time the country will play host to a grand prix. Three races from 1958-60 were later followed by 13 more that took place at Estoril near Lisbon from 1984-96.
“We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve,” circuit CEO Jaime Costa said. “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.
“Portimao’s unique ‘rollercoaster’ layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love.”
Along with Zandvoort, the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will also be in the final year of its contract in 2026, while a street race in Madrid will replace the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Other coming changes include the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps moving to an every-other-year rotational contract beginning in 2027.
Portimao is not part of that rotation, with several potential new grand prix on the table to potentially join the F1 calendar in coming years.
–Field Level Media
