Formula 1 is officially heading back to Portugal. After years of speculation (even from Portugal.com) and behind the scenes negotiations, the sport has confirmed that the Portuguese Grand Prix will return in 2027 and 2028 in a two-year agreement that puts Portugal back on the world’s most prestigious racing calendar.
The announcement has been met with excitement from fans, officials, and the global racing community. For Portugal, it represents a symbolic return and will be a major international showcase at a time when competition for F1 hosting rights has never been more intense.
Portimão Reclaims Its Place on the Calendar
Both races will take place at the Algarve International Circuit located near Portimão in southern Portugal. Known locally as the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, the circuit last hosted Formula 1 in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when Portugal played a crucial role in keeping the championship alive during very uncertain times.
The Portimão circuit quickly earned a reputation as a favorite among both drivers and fans. Stretching nearly three miles across rolling terrain, the track is famous for its dramatic elevation changes, blind crests, and high speed corners that truly put drivers to the test.
Access to the circuit, however, has been known to be a challenge in the past, and organizers are expected to focus on infrastructure and transportation improvements ahead of Portugal’s 2027 return to F1.
Goodbye Zandvoort, Hello Portimão
Portugal’s return comes as part of a larger reshaping of the Formula 1 calendar. The Portuguese Grand Prix is set to replace the Dutch Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held at Zandvoort for the final time next year. With demand from cities and countries around the world at an all-time high, securing even a short-term place on the calendar is a significant achievement.
According to Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, Portimão stood out for its ability to deliver compelling racing and an electrifying atmosphere. He emphasized the passion of Portuguese fans and the circuit’s proven ability to produce thrilling races.
The History of F1 in Portugal
Although Portimão is a relatively new addition to Formula 1 history, Portugal’s relationship with the sport stretches back decades. The country first hosted a Formula 1 race in Porto in 1958 followed by memorable eras at Monsanto and Estoril. Legendary drivers such as Stirling Moss, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, and Nigel Mansell all claimed victories on Portuguese soil.
Estoril, in particular, holds a special place in F1 lore. It was there in 1985 that Senna claimed his first ever Formula 1 victory, a defining moment in one of the sport’s greatest careers.
Portimão added its own chapter to history in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, the circuit delivered races that were widely praised for their unpredictability and visual drama. It was also the stage for a milestone moment in Formula 1 history.
Lewis Hamilton’s Connection with Portimão
The Algarve International Circuit is forever linked to Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton won both Formula 1 races held at Portimão, driving for Mercedes, and his 2021 victory marked his 92nd career win. That result saw him surpass Michael Schumacher’s long standing record of 91 Grand Prix victories and cemented his place at the top of the sport’s all-time win list.
To date, Hamilton remains the only driver to have won a Formula 1 race at the Portimão circuit, which gives the venue a unique statistic in modern F1 history.
F1’s Economic Impact
The return of Formula 1 to Portugal is backed by a formal agreement between Formula 1, the Portuguese government, Turismo de Portugal, and circuit promoter Parkalgar. Officials predict that the event is expected to deliver significant economic benefits, particularly for the Algarve region.
Manuel Castro Almeida, Portugal’s Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, described the Grand Prix as a catalyst for economic activity across tourism, commerce, services, and small businesses. Hosting Formula 1 in the Algarve aligns with broader regional development goals and positions Portugal as a competitive and reliable destination on the global stage.
Jaime Costa, CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, echoed this sentiment and highlighted the pride of welcoming Formula 1 back and the opportunity to promote the circuit’s technical excellence and the enthusiasm of Portuguese fans. He credited long-term government support for making the return possible and promised an event that sets high standards both on and off the track.
From a tourism perspective, the timing could not be better. The Algarve is already one of Portugal’s most recognizable regions internationally, known for its beaches, golf resorts, and mild climate. A Formula 1 weekend brings a different kind of global exposure and attracts tens of thousands of visitors and millions of television viewers.
Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and local businesses are all expected to benefit from the influx of fans, teams, and media. For Portugal, it is an opportunity to reinforce its image as a modern, event-ready destination capable of hosting world class sporting events.
Not Everyone Is Happy
Despite the excitement, not everyone in Portugal views the announcement as positive. Some residents have raised concerns about government spending priorities and question whether public funds allocated to Formula 1 might be better directed toward healthcare, housing, or infrastructure needs.
This tension is not unique to Portugal and reflects a broader global debate around hosting major sporting events. While Formula 1 delivers visibility and economic activity, it also demands significant investment and can make public perception a key factor in long-term success.
What Comes Next
Exact race dates for the 2027 and 2028 Portuguese Grands Prix have not yet been announced. Formula 1 typically releases official season calendars closer to each championship year, so further details are expected in due course.
What is certain is that Formula 1 is returning to Portugal and will bring with it renewed international attention. For fans, it is a long awaited confirmation and, for Portugal, it is a high profile opportunity with high expectations and a fair share of debate.
