A two-year agreement with the Portuguese government: the Algarve “rollercoaster” welcomes Formula 1 back
Formula 1 will officially return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028. The announcement came today—somewhat unexpectedly—with confirmation of a two-year agreement signed between F1, the Portuguese government, Turismo de Portugal and the promoter Parkalgar. Center stage once again will be the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, one of the most spectacular and technical circuits on the modern calendar.
Portimão, a pure challenge for drivers
At 4.6 kilometers in length, the Algarve circuit quickly became a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Blind corners, major elevation changes and a truly old-school layout make Portimão a complete challenge, where driver talent can genuinely make the difference.
The track culminates in the famous downhill run toward the final corner before the main straight—an iconic section that has delivered overtakes, mistakes and moments of high tension.
The return after the pandemic years
Despite being a modern circuit, Portimão has already played a key role in recent Formula 1 history. It hosted the championship in 2020 and 2021, becoming a crucial venue during F1’s return to racing amid the pandemic.
It was here, in 2021, that Lewis Hamilton secured the 92nd victory of his career, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s all-time win record. To this day, Hamilton remains the only driver on the current grid to have won at Portimão, having triumphed in both 2020 and 2021.
Portugal’s long F1 tradition
Portugal boasts a prestigious Formula 1 history. Not everyone may know that the country’s first Grand Prix was held in 1958 in Porto, followed by races at Monsanto and, most notably, Estoril, the venue for some of the Circus’ most memorable chapters.
Legends such as Stirling Moss, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna have won there. Senna, in particular, claimed the first victory of his F1 career at Estoril in 1985.
Domenicali: “A return that reignites passion”
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighted the importance of the deal:
“I’m delighted to see Portimão return to the calendar. The circuit delivers excitement from the first to the last lap, and the energy of Portuguese fans is extraordinary. Global interest in hosting Formula 1 has never been higher.”
A return that confirms Portugal’s strategic value within the future F1 calendar—though the news was not widely expected, which is why it has been met with a degree of surprise.
Economic and tourism impact
For the Portuguese government, the Grand Prix represents far more than a sporting event. Minister of Economy Manuel Castro Almeida spoke about a direct impact on the national economy—from tourism to small and medium-sized businesses—with the goal of strengthening Portugal’s image as a competitive and reliable destination.
Circuit CEO Jaime Costa also emphasized how Portimão’s rollercoaster layout is perfectly suited to delivering a show worthy of modern Formula 1.
Photos: Formula 1
