‘Everything ready' – F1 circuit dropped from calendar in 2021 and loved by Lewis Hamilton looking to return
Por some more 'Everything ready' – F1 circuit dropped from calendar in 2021 and loved by Lewis Hamilton looking to return
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A FORMULA ONE return could be on the cards for a fan favourite track in 2027.
Portugal's Algarve International Circuit in Portimao was dropped from the race calendar in 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic.
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A favourite track of Lewis Hamilton could be on the cards for an F1 return in 2027
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The Portuguese PM has said everything is ready to host F1 at the Algarve International Circuit again
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Hamilton won two races there in 2020 and 2021, including his record-breaking 92nd win
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The circuit had stepped up for the shortened 2020 and 2021 season amid F1 chiefs' pandemic reshuffle, before a return to the normal schedule.
Both races were won by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, with the 2020 race marking his record-breaking 92nd win in F1 to put him ahead of Michael Schumacher.
And while the Brit has been struggling at Ferrari this season, his spirits may perk up to learn that one of his favourite tracks could be on its way back to the calendar.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the country was prepared to host an F1 race again in 2027.
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Speaking at the Festa do Pontal this week, the Social Democratic Party leader revealed a plan for government financial aid to see F1 return to Portimao.
The track is already playing host to MotoGP events for 2025 and 2026, which is why 2027 has been earmarked.
Montenegro said: "One of the circumstances that most contributes to the promotion of this region is the major events.
"We secured the MotoGP, the flagship event of world motorcycling, for 2025 and 2026.
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"And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to Algarve the year after, in 2027.
'These events require some financial effort on the part of the government, but they provide a return, both direct and indirect, through promotion, that is truly worthwhile."
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SunSport have contacted F1 for comment.
MotoGP is also owned by the owners of F1, Liberty Media, which could be a factor which counts in its favour over a return.
Portugal had been a mainstay on the F1 calendar between 1984 and 1996, with the Estoril Circuit outside of Lisbon hosting 13 grand prix races.
New race tracks for F1 are on the cards in the coming years.
Next season will see the debut of the new Madring circuit in Madrid, replacing the iconic Imola circuit after its final race earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Thailand looks set to be announced as a new host nation with a street race in Bangkok after the government approved an £880m bid for a race there, targeted for 2028.
The new Qiddiya Speed Park in Saudi Arabia could be a new venue before the end of the decade, with 2028 also being targeted, as it would replace the Jeddah Circuit in use since 2021.
A race in Africa is also gaining momentum with talks underway, but it remains a long way off.
The introduction of these new circuits means some popular tracks are under threat.
Max Verstappen's home race of Zandvoort will no longer be on the calendar after next season, while the Belgian Grand Prix will only feature in alternating years from 2027 through to 2031.
F1 is currently on its summer shutdown following the Hungarian Grand Prix at the start of the month.
The next race to take place will be the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31.
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