Turkish GP returns to 2021 F1 calendar as Singapore replacement

After returning to the F1 schedule for the first time since 2013 last year, Istanbul Park was originally added to the 2021 calendar in place of the Canadian Grand Prix in June, but those plans had to be shelved when the UK added Turkey to its red travel list.

F1 instead brought forward the French Grand Prix and added a second race in Austria to compensate for the loss of the round in Canada.

On Friday, ahead of this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, F1 confirmed that Istanbul would return to the 2021 calendar for the second time.

It will take the place of Singapore - which was cancelled due to tough coronavirus restrictions in the city state - to form the middle part of a triple-header with the Russian and Japanese grands prix as the 16th round of the world championship.

“We are delighted to be coming back to Turkey to Intercity Istanbul Park circuit,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “We hope to see another fantastic race again in one of the best tracks in the world.

“We want to thank the Intercity Istanbul Park management and Mr. Vural Ak for his personal efforts to make this event to happen. We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix.

“We have had very good conversations with all the other promoters since the start of the year and continue to work closely with them during this period.”

F1 is determined to fulfil its planned 23-round calendar, though doubts remain over the Japanese GP and races in South America.