It's official: Formula 1 returns to Portugal in 2027 and 2028

It’s news that excites fans, drivers and the entire motorsport industry: Formula 1 is set to return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028. The official announcement confirms a two-year agreement that once again places the country on the calendar of the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition, with the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, hosting the races.

BREAKING: Formula 1 to return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028

As part of a two-year agreement, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will be back on the F1 calendar!#F1 pic.twitter.com/WnYIY37jSr

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 16, 2025

After the editions held in 2020 and 2021, in a very particular context marked by the pandemic, Portugal will now welcome Formula 1 again under normal conditions, strengthening its position as a destination capable of hosting major international events. The races in 2027 and 2028 will be, respectively, the 19th and 20th editions of the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The Algarve circuit is internationally recognised for its technical and demanding layout, marked by significant elevation changes and corners that challenge both drivers and teams. Known as a true “rollercoaster,” Portimão is frequently praised for delivering excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag — something that Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali once again highlighted when confirming the return of the race to Portugal.

From an economic and tourism perspective, the expected impact is significant. The Portuguese government estimates that each edition of the Grand Prix could generate an economic impact of no less than €140 million, with around 200,000 visitors per year expected, including spectators and professionals involved in organising the event. More than half of the audience is expected to be international, reinforcing the importance of Formula 1 as a global showcase for Portugal and, in particular, for the Algarve.

Media exposure is another major asset. Each Formula 1 Grand Prix reaches hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, across thousands of hours of television broadcast, projecting Portugal’s image as a modern, competitive country with the organisational capacity to operate at the highest level. Beyond tourism, sectors such as services, retail and small and medium-sized enterprises benefit directly from hosting an event of this scale.

The return of Formula 1 also strengthens Portugal’s historical connection to the sport. Since its debut in 1958 at the Boavista Circuit, through Monsanto, Estoril and, more recently, Portimão, the Portuguese Grand Prix has been the stage for memorable moments, including victories by iconic names such as Stirling Moss, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton. It was precisely in the Algarve that the British driver secured two consecutive victories, surpassing the all-time record for wins in Formula 1.

With race dates yet to be confirmed — something that will only happen once the official calendars for the 2027 and 2028 seasons are announced — the confirmation of Formula 1’s return to Portugal already leaves one certainty: the country is once again at the heart of the international motorsport scene, with clear benefits for the economy, tourism and the global projection of the territory.

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Sources:
Tribuna Expresso
DN
ECO / SAPO
F1Mania