The Portuguese Grand Prix is coming back to the F1 calendar for the first time in six years. F1 have confirmed that a contract has been signed to bring back Portimão in 2027 and fans have mixed reactions.
The track was used in the 2020 and 2021 seasons and will be returning for a minimum of two seasons: 2027 and 2028.
It is replacing the Dutch GP which is held at Zandvoort, and it will host its last race next season on August 23.
F1 fans have been both happy and disappointed about the return of the Portuguese GP and the replacement of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Kian Williams, a Lando fan, said: “It is a shame that the Portuguese Grand Prix is coming back, because it is replacing the Dutch Grand Prix, which has a better atmosphere. The track in Portugal is pretty big and popular, as it hosts other races like the MotoGP, but there aren’t any Portuguese drivers or teams, so I don’t think the atmosphere will be that good.”
George Watkin, a Yuki Tsunoda fan, was also disappointed about the replacement of the Dutch GP.
He said: “It’s a shame that Zandvoort is going, I liked Zandvoort.”
The tracks for each calendar are decided by Formula 1’s management team, which is led by the Director of Race Promotion. They work alongside track promoters, and for each possible venue they consider hosting fees, fans’ favourite tracks, the possibility of expanding to new locations, tourism, and weather. There are also strict regulations that must be met for each track, which are decided by the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1.
On the other hand, some fans were happy about the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix.
Oliver Wilson, a Red Bull fan, said: “I think it is good. It’s a good track, and it is also good that we are getting more European tracks again.”
Many fans are also calling for the return of other tracks as they are unhappy with some of the current race locations like Saudi Arabia, Miami and Las Vegas.
The new Formula 1 season is set to start next year in Australia on March 6, with testing beginning in February.