Portimão Returns to Formula 1 in Two-Year Deal

Portugal’s Portimão Circuit has secured a surprise return to Formula 1’s calendar on a two-year deal in 2027.

Portimão previously featured in 2020-21, as a stand-in circuit during the pandemic-hit years, with Lewis Hamilton victorious on both occasions.

It was dropped from 2022 as Formula 1 returned to a more conventional schedule, but on Tuesday officials announced that it will return on a two-year deal for 2027 and 2028.

Portugal will effectively replace the Dutch Grand Prix on the schedule, which will be discontinued after 2026, following a six-year stretch.

“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,” said Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.”

The permanent 15-turn circuit, which features substantial elevation change across its flowing 2.9-mile layout, was well-received among drivers during its prior two-year appearance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal,” said Portimão CEO Jaime Costa. “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.”

What of other events?

Portugal’s short-term deal is effectively a like-for-like replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Organizers at Zandvoort opted to call time on the event after a highly successful return, with the 2026 running—which will feature a Sprint race—to be the sixth and final grand prix of its existing iteration.

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Formula 1 will move the Spanish Grand Prix to the new semi-permanent Madring circuit from 2026, with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remaining under the clumsy Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix name for one year.

Barcelona is out of contract after 2026, meaning there is ostensibly one remaining vacancy on any 24-event 2027 calendar, and officials in the Catalan capital have been keen to stay in the mix.

Belgium’s quirky four events in six years deal means that there is also a free calendar slot in 2028 and 2030.

Formula 1 has been involved in discussions with authorities in Thailand for a few years over bringing the championship to the streets of capital Bangkok. Proposals have been at an advanced stage but no deal has yet been signed, with 2028 understood to be the earliest year in which a prospective grand prix would debut.

The championship still remains keen to return to Africa, for the first time since 1993, but these remain long-term plans.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which was held five times in six years at Imola, was discontinued after 2025.