Cascais wants to buy the Estoril Circuit and bring Formula 1 back in 2028

The Municipality of Cascais has announced its intention to acquire the Estoril Circuit and work towards bringing Formula 1 back to Portugal as early as 2028, in a project that also includes hosting MotoGP in 2027. The plan was presented by Cascais Deputy Mayor Nuno Piteira Lopes after a meeting with the Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services, Pedro Machado.

According to the municipality’s statement, the proposal foresees the acquisition of the circuit from Parpública, the state-owned holding company, marking a renewed attempt to bring the legendary track under municipal management. Back in 2015, Cascais had already submitted a bid of around five million euros, which was later rejected by the Court of Auditors.

“In 2026 it will be 30 years since the last Grand Prix was held at Estoril. At that time, we will begin a new chapter for this legendary circuit, with the municipality assuming its management,” said Nuno Piteira Lopes, emphasizing the ambition to restore Estoril’s place on the international motorsport scene.

The deputy mayor also stressed the municipality’s “full commitment to carry out all necessary works, together with private partners,” in order to meet the technical requirements of Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Inaugurated in June 1972, the Estoril Circuit was for decades one of the symbols of Portuguese motorsport, hosting world-renowned competitions. The track was the stage for historic moments, including the last Formula 1 Grand Prix held there in 1996.

The Cascais City Council project also aims to strengthen the municipality’s ties to tourism and education, by assuming management of the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, in partnership with NOVA University Lisbon, with a view to its modernization and redevelopment.

If carried out, this plan would once again place Portugal on the Formula 1 and MotoGP world circuits, turning Estoril into a benchmark center for international motorsport. However, it should be noted that the proposal arises in the context of local elections, where the future of the Estoril Circuit has also gained political relevance. Nuno Piteira Lopes, Deputy Mayor and candidate for the Viva Cascais coalition, has linked this project to his vision for the municipality’s future, presenting it as a symbol of economic, sporting, and tourism development. Still, some observers believe the announcement may also have a strategic nature, boosting the candidate’s public visibility at a politically sensitive moment.

Let us wait and see whether this ambition becomes a reality—or remains merely an electoral promise.

Cover Photo: Rui Cunha