Formula 1 will return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028, with the Algarve International Circuit at Portimão taking the place of the Dutch Grand Prix after Zandvoort’s scheduled exit from the calendar at the end of 2026.
The move secures Portugal a two-year slot on the world championship calendar and marks the first time the country will host Formula 1 since the pandemic-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021.
Zandvoort, which returned to Formula 1 in 2021, will conclude its current agreement in 2026, prompting organisers to seek a replacement venue while maintaining a strong European presence.
Analysis
The decision reflects Formula 1’s broader calendar strategy: rotation rather than expansion. With the championship already operating at near-maximum race capacity, replacing one European venue with another allows F1 to preserve regional balance without adding logistical strain.
Portimão offers a contrasting sporting challenge. Its elevation changes, flowing corners and limited run-off areas place greater emphasis on car balance, tyre management and driver confidence. This introduces variability compared with flatter, more predictable circuits.
From a commercial standpoint, the change suggests a shift away from short-term promotional returns towards venues that deliver strong racing characteristics and sustained fan interest. While Zandvoort provided high-profile atmosphere, Portimão is viewed as a circuit that rewards driving skill and strategic execution.
The two-year agreement also leaves future options open. Rather than committing long-term, Formula 1 retains flexibility to reassess its European line-up beyond 2028, reinforcing a calendar model built on adaptability rather than permanence.
