Portugal poised for surprise formula one comeback as dutch grand prix bows out

A european return shaped by calendar pressure

Formula One will stage a Portuguese Grand Prix in both 2027 and 2028 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, according to Reuters. The races will replace the Dutch Grand Prix, which is scheduled to drop off the calendar after the 2026 season.

The agreement covers two seasons and comes as Formula One continues to manage increasing demand for race slots, while keeping the total number of Grands Prix capped at 24 per year. Rather than expanding further, organisers have leaned more heavily on rotation and selective returns, particularly within Europe.

Why zandvoort is stepping aside

The departure of the Dutch Grand Prix was confirmed earlier, creating an opening on the calendar without increasing the overall race count. Zandvoort’s exit reflects the growing commercial pressure facing several traditional European venues as newer races in Asia, the Middle East and North America secure long term contracts.

According to Sky Sports, Formula One leadership has made clear that not every historic circuit can retain a permanent place under the current global expansion model.

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Portimão’s pandemic legacy

Portimão last hosted Formula One in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic, when emergency calendar revisions brought back several circuits on short notice. Those races were held with limited or no spectators and were widely seen as experimental stopgaps at the time.

However, according to Sky Sports, drivers praised the Algarve circuit for its elevation changes and demanding layout, feedback that helped keep Portimão in discussions once long term calendar planning resumed.

A signal about formula one’s european strategy

Portugal’s return highlights Formula One’s willingness to revisit circuits that proved operationally strong during the pandemic era. While the championship has raced in Portugal before, including at Estoril, Porto and Monsanto, Portimão remains its most modern venue and best suited to current logistical standards.

According to Sky Sports, the decision also underscores how European races are increasingly evaluated not only on history, but on flexibility, infrastructure and commercial viability.

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Sources

Reuters

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