Formula 1 will return to Portugal in the 2027 and 2028 seasons with the addition of a race in Portimao.
Portimao hosted two races during the COVID-affected seasons, with additional venues having to be identified at short notice, with an October 2020 race followed by a May 2021 event. That marked a return to the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril for the first time since 1996, and renewed interest in its future inclusion on the calendar.
F1 has now confirmed that Portimao will be included in the 2027 and 2028 schedules, effectively replacing the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will disappear after the coming season.
“I am delighted that Portimao is returning to the Formula 1 calendar and that the sport continues to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fan base,” said F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali. “The track brings excitement to the track, from the first corner to the checkered flag, and the energy lifts the fans out of their seats.”
Domenicali says interest in organizing F1 races is at its highest ever – despite the short-term nature of the contract – and circuit chairman Jaime Costa says government support was crucial to Portimao’s return.
“We are happy to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve,” said Costa. “The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, providing a powerful boost to our tourism, our region and our community.
“This achievement was only made possible with the continued support – since the beginning – of the Portuguese government. Portimao’s unique ‘rollercoaster’ format 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 for excellence on and off the track.”
Portimao’s return comes a year after neighboring Spain hosts two races a season, with Barcelona and the new Madrid event on the 2026 calendar. F1 is also attracting interest from potential races in Thailand – where a border dispute with Cambodia appears to have cast doubt on progress – and Argentina, where track improvements are underway for MotoGP in Buenos Aires.
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