Istanbul Park’s Revamp Targets Long-Term Future for Turkish Grand Prix

Striking the right balance remains one of Formula 1’s enduring challenges. This tension is evident in the technical regulations, where the sport must satisfy drivers and traditionalists while also delivering the high-octane spectacle demanded by younger audiences—particularly the constant overtaking that appeals to the TikTok generation.

That same balancing act extends to the calendar and the venues on it. Many recent additions are temporary street circuits in glamorous locations such as Miami, Las Vegas, and Madrid, yet these do not always capture the imagination of diehard fans.

Next year, however, a race returns to the schedule with the potential to unite both worlds. Istanbul is a global city straddling Europe and Asia—the kind of destination Formula 1 actively seeks. Its circuit, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, also resonates with drivers and fans alike, largely thanks to the legendary Turn 8.

Ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix’s return, Motorsport.com spoke with Eren Uclertopragi, president of the Turkish Automobile Federation (TOSFED). He outlined the ambition to merge these priorities: an event that meets modern Formula 1 standards while preserving a circuit that hardcore enthusiasts appreciate.

“Yes, I think the same,” Uclertopragi said. “From a fan’s perspective, we are always more eager to watch races at old-school tracks, so it is encouraging that F1 accepted our proposal and that we are back. We all miss the classic events, but ultimately, from a commercial standpoint, we also need races like Madrid. We need both—the modern street circuits and tracks like Istanbul, Monza, and Silverstone.”

Start of the 2005 Turkish GP

Photo by: Lars Baron / Getty Images

That said, every permanent circuit must evolve to meet modern Formula 1 standards, both in facilities and overall event presentation. The Istanbul layout will remain unchanged, but much around it will be transformed.

“There will be major upgrades to the circuit,” Uclertopragi explained. “We will modernize our circuit to the level Formula 1 currently requires. We are working on the infrastructure. We will cover most of the grandstands and create fan zones to do whatever is necessary to deliver the best possible experience for supporters.”

This is a central pillar of the plan. Istanbul Park has long been a favorite among drivers, but according to Uclertopragi, the greatest challenge over the next five years—the term of the new contract—is to make it a favorite among fans as well. Significant work remains in that regard.

“It was always a drivers’ circuit, but now we are trying to make it a fan circuit too,” he said. “That begins with traffic control and crowd management. The surrounding roads have already been redesigned so there are now separate entry and exit routes. Traffic flow will improve, making the experience of entering and exiting the circuit better.”

Fans watch the 2005 Turkish GP

Photo by: Bryn Lennon – Getty Images

This is especially important because traffic during previous Turkish Grands Prix was often chaotic—an issue Uclertopragi fully understands.

“We know what we have to do. We have already begun planning the infrastructure and are expanding the paddock as well. Capacity will double, and the infrastructure will be rebuilt from scratch. Beyond that, we will upgrade our hospitality units, including making use of our famous Turn 8.”

One notable aspect of this event overhaul is how differently the Turkish Grand Prix will be organized going forward. TOSFED is not only Turkey’s motorsport federation but now also the promoter—an arrangement that should create more direct communication channels and a greater ability to turn ambitions into action.

“The management of the circuit has been handed to TOSFED, creating a new dynamic for getting things done as a promoter. Everything will be in my hands, supported by the state, so we will do whatever is necessary,” Uclertopragi said.

“The worst part is that, before our management, the circuit was run by a private company whose priorities were not the sport, the fans, or Formula 1. Unfortunately, this led to problems with the fan experience, which is why we are prioritizing it now.”

How Istanbul Park plans to avoid further asphalt issues

Aerial view of Istanbul Park in 2026

Photo by: Miragest

Beyond that, Uclertopragi recognizes that the fundamentals must be right. The layout will not change, but the asphalt must be improved. The surface proved problematic during Formula 1’s most recent visits, with several drivers describing it as “driving on ice”—especially when it rained in 2020, the weekend Lewis Hamilton clinched his seventh world championship.

“Yeah, there was a problem with the asphalt back then, I totally support you on that,” Uclertopragi admitted.

“We were not keen on resurfacing the top layer with only a short period before the race. Part of the issue was that no races were held at the circuit, so there was no event prior to Formula 1, which left us with the surface problem.”

Unsurprisingly, Istanbul’s organizers are determined to avoid a repeat of those issues in 2027.

“We are currently in close cooperation with the FIA and circuit experts,” he continued. “Of course, we will need to change the kerbstones and so on, but the layout will remain the same. And I suspect we will not be changing the tarmac this time.”

“It will stay the same, and we are currently hosting ‘experience events’ at Istanbul Park for at least 30 weeks a year. After the renovation and upgrades, we will resume national and international races ahead of Formula 1.”

This should spare Formula 1 drivers from another unwelcome surprise regarding grip levels.

Can the Turkish GP stay on the calendar beyond 2031?

The most recent Turkish GP, in 2021

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images via Getty Images

All of this is initially being done with the five-year contract in mind, but Uclertopragi wants Istanbul to remain on the calendar beyond the initial agreement, meaning the investments are aimed at the longer term.

“We are looking into a longer period. That is why the projects we currently have for the circuit will extend beyond five years. We are discussing internally and with the state how we can expand this project without leaving the calendar again,” he said.

Uclertopragi knows exactly what is required to achieve that: delivering on the aforementioned promises. If that happens, he believes the rest will follow naturally.

“For sure, our commitment is for five years first of all, but if we deliver the standards that Formula 1 is looking for, then it will benefit both parties. As long as we fulfill our commitments and have happy fans over the next five years, I think it will benefit both parties to keep Istanbul on the calendar,” he concluded.

Source link