Formula 1 returns to Istanbul: Turkey expects major benefits for tourism

Turkey plans to give its tourism sector a new boost with the announced return of Formula 1 to Istanbul in 2027, which is expected to attract high-spending international visitors and generate significant revenue. The goal is to replicate in Istanbul the model of Singapore, where during the week of the F1 race, the number of tourists increases by 25% and tourism revenue grows by 45%.

After Erdoğan confirmed on Friday the return of Formula 1 to Istanbul in 2027, the official announcement was made yesterday at the Istanbul Park circuit located in Tuzla, on the outskirts of Istanbul, during a press conference organized by the Turkish Automobile Sports Federation (TOSFED), attended by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, and TOSFED President Eren Üçlertoprağı.

In statements reported by Turkish media, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism confirmed that the competition will return in 2027 to Istanbul Park under an initial agreement to continue for at least five years, with the aim of boosting tourism and generating billions of dollars in economic benefits. In this regard, Ersoy emphasized that the impact will not be limited to the race track itself but will extend to the entire city, as Formula One attracts a high-spending visitor demographic that benefits the entire city.

The minister also underscored the global reach of the championship, which reaches hundreds of millions of viewers in more than 180 countries. In this context, he noted that events of this magnitude increase tourism demand and provide significant added value to the local economy. Furthermore, he pointed out that Istanbul, thanks to its immense historical and cultural richness, is particularly well-positioned to maximize this impact.

“The impact of F1 exceeds that of the Champions League or the NBA”

Citing international studies, Ersoy stated that Formula 1 races increase tourism in host destinations by around 6%. “For tourists who had never considered traveling to that city, F1 becomes a decisive factor in their choice,” he said. During the 2025 season alone, the competition attracted over 827 million television viewers worldwide across more than 180 countries and drew more than 6.7 million spectators to the circuits. In the digital realm, the minister noted that F1 has over 114 million followers and 2.3 billion interactions on social media.

“This level of impact is even greater than that of organizations such as the UEFA Champions League or the NBA. It offers a high-value showcase for the cities where it is held,” he emphasized. As an example, he cited the case of the Singapore Grand Prix, which between 2010 and 2018 attracted 450,000 additional visitors and generated an extra $1.4 billion in tourism revenue; in 2025 alone, the Singapore Grand Prix drew over 300,000 attendees, with a 25% increase in foreign tourists and a 45% rise in revenue during the week the race was held.

“This city, where two continents meet, is already a global attraction due to its historical and cultural richness. We want to further reinforce this effect by leveraging the momentum of F1 in Istanbul,” explained Ersoy, speaking about Istanbul’s potential as a host for F1 races.

For his part, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Sports emphasized that the return of Formula 1 to Istanbul not only represents good news for tourism but also reflects the country’s international credibility. “Turkey is now a safe country. The fact that a global brand like Formula 1 has chosen Türkiye is the most compelling proof,” he stated. In addition, Bak announced plans to modernize the Istanbul Park circuit and expand its facilities: “This infrastructure needs modernization. We will build new areas. A karting track will also be created. This place will become a hub that attracts young people,” he concluded.

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