Multiple reports indicate that Formula 1 has unveiled plans to return to South Korea in 2028, with the city of Incheon deemed financially viable to host a race. Mayor Yoo Jeoing-bok announced at a press conference that the green light had been given to pursue a new race destination. Songdo International City is being considered as a potential venue, with a street circuit near Songdo Moonlight Festival Park proposed, utilizing existing public roads. The proposed circuit length is 4,960 meters, and drivers could reach speeds up to 209 mph. The layout design is led by Hermann Tilke's firm, which previously designed circuits in Sepang, Shanghai, Las Vegas, and Baku. Tilke also designed the Korea International Circuit, which held F1 events between 2010 and 2013. Incheon city officials claim the event could bring up to 400,000 visitors over a three-day race weekend. In a statement, Incheon city officials said, "It is possible to link the F1 Grand Prix, which has developed into a form of entertainment, with K-culture. We expect to hold various cultural performances, such as inviting world-famous artists, to elevate Incheon's cultural and tourism infrastructure to a world-class standard." However, it remains unclear whether the South Korean Grand Prix has been officially confirmed by Formula 1 or is still a proposal, and the exact timeline for the race is uncertain.
In addition to the South Korea plans, Formula 1 will return to Turkey and Istanbul Park from 2027, according to multiple reports. The agreement is for at least five years starting next year. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said at a press conference, "We are very happy to return to the fantastic and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027." He added, "As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia and offers a unique blend of history and tradition together with a forward-looking approach to sport, business and entertainment." Lewis Hamilton secured his seventh world title at Istanbul Park in 2021. In February, Domenicali said Istanbul Park was close to an agreement with F1 from 2024. Formula 1 currently travels to 24 locations worldwide. Meanwhile, Zandvoort will leave the calendar in 2027, and Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps will alternate hosting races every other year from 2027. It is not yet known whether the South Korean and Turkish Grands Prix will both be added to the calendar or if one is replacing the other.
We are very happy to return to the fantastic and vibrant city of Istanbul from 2027.
In other F1 news, Kimi Antonelli won back-to-back races in China and Japan earlier this season. The Vietnam Grand Prix was scheduled for 2020 but cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has not returned; its future status remains unclear. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were cancelled in April due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, though it is unknown whether these cancellations are permanent or temporary. Additionally, Allan McNish is now Racing Director at Audi, replacing Jonathan Wheatley who left after two races in 2026. McNish will take over the role from the Miami Grand Prix in early May. An unnamed Audi representative said in a press release, "Allan strengthens our leadership at the track at a crucial stage of our project. Allan's ability to connect all performance-related areas, from sports operations to driver development, will be fundamental as we continue to build our team."
As a city, Istanbul represents a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia and offers a unique blend of history and tradition together with a forward-looking approach to sport, business and entertainment.
Allan strengthens our leadership at the track at a crucial stage of our project. Allan's ability to connect all performance-related areas, from sports operations to driver development, will be fundamental as we continue to build our team.
It is possible to link the F1 Grand Prix, which has developed into a form of entertainment, with K-culture. We expect to hold various cultural performances, such as inviting world-famous artists, to elevate Incheon's cultural and tourism infrastructure to a world-class standard.