Formula 1 is officially returning to Portugal, with races confirmed for the 2027 and 2028 seasons at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.
In a statement released this Tuesday morning, F1 organisers confirmed an agreement with the Portuguese government to stage two Grands Prix at the Algarve racetrack, which hosted two races in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “I’m delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase. The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats.
“The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa, for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal.
“I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”
The deal was also celebrated by Portugal’s Minister of Economy. “Portugal is back on the Formula 1 map. The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain – from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs – projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination,” said Manuel Castro Almeida.
“Hosting the Grand Prix in the Algarve reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies. This will be an event that, in addition to being a source of prestige for our country, will enhance Portugal’s image throughout the world,” he added.
Jaime Costa, Chairman and CEO of the Algarve International Circuit, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community.
“This achievement was only made possible with the continuous support – since the beginning – of the Portuguese Government. Portimão’s unique “rollercoaster” layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love.
“We look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track.”
National and regional tourism authorities have also welcomed the announcement. According to Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Algarve, Portugal’s presence on the Formula 1 calendar reflects “a renewed international vote of confidence in the country’s organisational capacity and in the technical excellence of the Algarve International Circuit, widely recognised by drivers and teams as one of the most challenging and exciting modern tracks for Formula 1.”
The two tourism bodies recalled the decisive role played by the circuit during the pandemic years. “In 2020 and 2021, in an unprecedented pandemic context, the Algarve International Circuit played a determining role by ensuring, with safety, efficiency and high operational rigour, the continuity of the championship, becoming a true success story for Portugal,” the statement reads.
The announcement also highlights the strong economic and promotional impact of previous editions. Studies carried out after the 2020 and 2021 races estimate a combined impact of around €100 million per Grand Prix, while providing one of the largest international exposure opportunities ever for Portugal and the Algarve brand. Formula 1 currently reaches 827 million fans worldwide, with an average audience of around 70 million viewers per race weekend.
With the confirmation of the 2027 and 2028 editions, Portugal will join a select group of countries hosting the world’s most prestigious motorsport championship. Tourism authorities anticipate that both the economic impact and media return will “significantly exceed the figures recorded during the pandemic years”, benefiting from the normalisation of international travel and the sharp growth in global Formula 1 audiences in recent seasons.
For Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, the return of Formula 1 racing once again places Portugal “at the centre of global attention,” reinforcing the country’s image as “a vibrant, modern destination capable of hosting events on a global scale.”
“Beyond the unparalleled media exposure, this event boosts the sector, energises the regions involved and helps consolidate Portugal’s position among Europe’s most attractive and competitive destinations,” he said.
Meanwhile, André Gomes, President of Turismo do Algarve, described the announcement as “excellent news for the Algarve and for Portugal.”
“It confirms the strategic vision we have defended for the Algarve International Circuit and for strengthening the destination’s international projection,” he said, stressing that Turismo do Algarve is “fully committed to ensuring the success of these editions, guaranteeing that Portugal once again hosts Formula 1 with the excellence, safety and hospitality that the world recognised and praised in 2020 and 2021.”
There are still no dates for the 2027 and 2028 races, although the racetrack says that information regarding ticket sales will be announced in due course.
The announcement of the Algarve races came just two days after a Cascais deputy mayor confirmed plans to take over the Estoril Circuit with an eye to hosting a F1 race by 2028.
