Portuguese Grand Prix to return to F1 calendar in 2027 on short-term deal

The start of the Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix in 2021
The start of the Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix in 2021ANDREA DIODATO / NURPHOTO / NURPHOTO VIA AFP

The Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao will return to the Formula 1 schedule on a two-year agreement for 2027 and 2028, organisers announced on Tuesday.

The race was previously held at the Algarve circuit in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid pandemic, with both editions won by Lewis Hamilton.

Portugal hosted a GP between 1984 and 1996 in Estoril, after previous iterations elsewhere from 1958-1960.

The race is expected to replace the Dutch Grand Prix, which is slated to be dropped from the calendar after 2026, when it will be held in late August.

"The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats," said F1 president Stefano Domenicali.

Next year's world championship begins in Melbourne on March 8th, with Lando Norris defending the drivers' title he won earlier this month in Abu Dhabi.