Lewis Hamilton has already given his verdict on ‘incredible’ Portuguese Grand Prix ahead of 2027 return

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The Portuguese Grand Prix will make its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 after agreeing a two-year contract with the sport, much to the delight of fans, and certainly some drivers.

Portugal has a great history in F1, having hosted its first race in Porto in 1958, before moving to Monsanto and Estoril. Some of the all-time greats, including Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost, have stood on the podium in the nation.

What one change would you make to the F1 calendar with the Portuguese Grand Prix returning?

F1 will return to Portimao in 2027 and 2028!

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Now, Portugal will return to the calendar in 2027 and 2028 as part of F1’s new plan to rotate circuits on the schedule. Spa-Francorchamps is set to be rotated, having signed a new extension for 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031.

The Dutch GP will host its final race in 2026, while Catalunya will also drop off the calendar next year. It is unclear which circuit the Portuguese Grand Prix will replace in 2027 or when the race will be held, but it has been confirmed as one of the rotational tracks.

Portugal has not hosted a race since 2020 and 2021 at the Algarve International Circuit, or known simply as Portimao, as the COVID-19 pandemic restricted the calendar. Lewis Hamilton won both of those events, and he had high praise for the race.

Lewis Hamilton said ‘incredible’ Portimao circuit is one of his favourites in Formula 1

Driving for Mercedes, Hamilton claimed victory in Portugal in 2020 on his way to his seventh world championship. That victory – his 92nd – saw him usurp Michael Schumacher for the most wins in the sport’s history, which he has since extended to 105.

The Brit won again in 2021, and he expressed his love for the circuit and the nation before the race. Asked if he would like to see Portimao back on the calendar permanently, he said via Portugal Resident: “I would really like it; I think the circuit should be part of the calendar.

“It was great being in Portugal and the race was spectacular. I grew up watching the Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril, so it was great to return to Portugal to compete. It was also fantastic to see a new group of fans, something we hadn’t seen in a long time.

“It is a fantastic circuit to drive on,” he added. “There are areas where we cannot see the exits, the hills and the ups and downs, and times where all you see is the sky.

“It is an incredible combination of bends, with the bonus of being able to follow and overtake other cars. The Austin racetrack is one of my favourites, but Portugal has joined the top.”

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What other F1 circuits could join the calendar after Portimao?

With Portimao now confirmed for a return in 2027, many will be wondering which other tracks could join the calendar in the future, with F1 looking to explore new venues.

It has long been rumoured that the Turkish Grand Prix is trying to return to F1. Similar to Portimao, Istanbul briefly made a comeback amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is a huge fan favourite, with Hamilton securing his seventh title at the circuit in 2020.

F1 is also looking to expand audiences and revenue in existing countries on the calendar, with the United States having three tracks. Saudi Arabia could host two races in the future, with plans to build another street circuit in motion.

The F1 calendar could look very different in the near future, but Portimao is certainly a welcome addition, and one that many drivers, especially Hamilton, will get behind.