Portugal prime minister says Algarve ready to "formalise" F1 return for 2027

The prime minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, has confirmed that the country has "everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve". 

The race, hosted at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimao, is reportedly set to return according to Montenegro, who was quoted saying the following at the political meeting, Na Festa do Pontal.

“One of the circumstances that most contributes to promoting this region is major events," he said. “We have secured the MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycling event, for 2025 and 2026.

“And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve next year, in 2027."

The circuit hosted its first F1 race in 2020 during the COVID pandemic as other races were cancelled due to the outbreak. The racing here continued into 2021 with the venue becoming immensely loved by fans of the championship and other racing at the circuit. Lewis Hamilton won both of these races, with the driver claiming a record 92nd career win here in 2020. Unfortunately, F1 left following these two years much to the disappointment of viewers.

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG F1, 1st position, and Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-AMG F1, 2nd position, spray Champagne on the podium

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

MotoGP has, however, raced here since 2020, something the prime minister has celebrated. 

As you would expect, the track will need substantial investment to ready it for an F1 return - something the prime minister is well aware of. 

“These events require some financial effort on the part of the government, but they have a direct financial return and an indirect promotional return that are, quite frankly, well worth it.”

Before the Algarve circuit was used for the series, the country hosted its Portuguese Grand Prix at the famous Estoril circuit, which saw the race take place from 1984 to 1996. 

With F1 now implementing a rotating calendar that will allow circuits to retain their contracts without hosting annually, this is likely how the track will squeeze itself into an already bloated calendar. But with details sparse and the news still unconfirmed by the championship itself, we will wait for F1's official announcement before raising expectations.