A bold truth about F1's schedule disruption is unfolding: Portugal is set to reclaim a prominent spot on the calendar by hosting the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, under a two-year agreement starting in 2027. The coastal circuit on Portugal’s southern Atlantic flank, roughly 175 kilometers from Lisbon, last welcomed a Formula 1 race in 2021. That event was part of the pandemic-era strategy to bolster the calendar with European venues amid travel restrictions.
Historically, Formula 1 raced in Portugal from 1984 to 1996 at Estoril, near Lisbon. Earlier in its history, the championship visited Portugal three times between 1958 and 1960: two events occurred on a street layout in Porto and one at the Monsanto circuit near Lisbon. Portimao’s return was widely praised when it debuted on the calendar in 2020, thanks to its dramatic, rolling 4.6-kilometer circuit that offers significant elevation changes and a distinctive character compared with other tracks.
The buzz around Portimao includes a striking observation from Lewis Hamilton: the circuit is extraordinarily demanding and can be disorienting at times. He described portions where you glimpse the sky as you brake, noting that not having visible references adds to the challenge. His remarks underline why Portimao is viewed as one of the sport’s most punishing venues.
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali welcomed the news, emphasizing Portimao’s ability to deliver gripping racing from start to finish and to energize the local fanbase. The two-year deal is backed by the Portuguese government and its tourism agency, with the local circuit operator serving as promoter. Portimao’s chairman, Jaime Costa, expressed pride in welcoming Formula 1 back to Portugal and highlighted the race’s potential to boost regional tourism and community spirit while showcasing the circuit’s unique rollercoaster layout that challenges the world’s best drivers and excites spectators.
There’s speculation that the event could usher in a sprint-format weekend in its debut, as Formula 1 aims to dramatically expand the number of sprint races in 2027. Some insiders suggest the sprint count could reach ten or more in the next cycle, a move likely folded into the ongoing Concorde Agreement negotiations that govern F1’s governance and commercial structure.
The Portugal addition effectively slots in as a replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix on the 2027 calendar, as the Netherlands opted not to renew terms beyond 2026. Even with this substitution, the sport would still be one race short of a full 24-race schedule after 2026.
Imola’s contract has ended, and a new Madrid-hosted Spanish Grand Prix is slated to take its place through at least 2035. Barcelona will remain on the calendar for another season, but its long-term future beyond 2026 remains uncertain. As a result, Formula 1 appears to be planning for a total of 23 races in 2027, with potential reductions to 21 in the following year if existing deals waver.
Further calendar dynamics include Belgium’s alternating contract (which means missing certain years) and Las Vegas’s contract renewal status after 2027. Both F1 and local authorities hope to extend these events well into the next decade. In the wings, Barcelona may receive a calendar reprieve through ongoing infrastructure improvements and potential multi-year deals for 2027, 2028, and 2030, in tandem with Belgium’s arrangement.
Beyond Europe, there are ambitious proposals to add a second race in Saudi Arabia, potentially relocating Jeddah’s event to a new circuit in Qiddiya by 2028 or 2029. While two races in Saudi Arabia have been a topic of discussion, organizers have repeatedly denied active plans for a dual-race setup. Long-term ambitions also include Africa, with South Africa and Rwanda among bidders, though neither is imminent.
Looking further ahead, Argentina could rejoin the Formula 1 fold if drivers like Franco Colapinto secure a long-term seat. Argentina’s Buenos Aires circuit is undergoing upgrades for the 2027 season, and the country’s historical ties to the sport remain a talking point. There have also been whispers about reviving the South Korean Grand Prix, while China has previously been cited as a potential second venue. Osaka has, at times, publicly explored a future race in Japan.
Contract expirations across the circuit portfolio include 2025 for Emilia-Romagna, 2026 for the Netherlands and Spain, 2027 for Las Vegas, 2028 for Mexico City, Portugal, and Singapore, and a broader slate into the 2030s and beyond. Notably, several multi-year deals are in flux, with only a handful of slots clearly secured for the near term.
As for 2026, the calendar features a familiar lineup and a robust testing window: a five-day private test in late January, followed by two three-day public tests in Bahrain in February. The 2026 season commences with Australia and unfolds through a mix of established venues and emerging markets, including a sprint-eligible roster indicated by certain events.
In short, Portimao’s return marks a pivotal shift in F1’s strategic calendar planning, signaling a renewed emphasis on diverse venues, fan engagement, and potential sprint formats. The broader implications touch on travel logistics, regional tourism, and the evolving structure of race weekends as the sport continues to seek growth and global resonance. And this is the part many followers will scrutinize: with calendar slots tightening and new markets jockeying for position, how aggressively will F1 expand sprint formats and add more races in the coming years? Share your take on whether you think Portimao’s inclusion strengthens the calendar or strains it, and tell us which other locations you believe deserve a Grand Prix spotlight.
