Jonas LeoFormula 1 announced on Tuesday that the Portuguese venue, commonly known as Portimão, will reclaim a coveted spot on the championship calendar. This decision has been widely applauded by a significant segment of the global F1 fanbase, who have expressed relief and satisfaction at the inclusion of a purpose-built, permanent racing facility amidst a recent proliferation of new street circuits.
The sport’s expansion strategy over the past decade has seen a notable shift towards urban venues, often located in high-profile cities designed to attract new audiences and significant commercial investment. Recent additions include the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia, the Miami International Autodrome, and the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, with the upcoming Madrid circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix also falling into this category. While these street circuits offer unique backdrops and often provide spectacular visuals, they have frequently been met with criticism from more traditional fans who prioritize classic circuit layouts, challenging track characteristics, and the historical essence of Grand Prix racing.
The sentiment among the fanbase, particularly on online platforms, quickly converged on the perceived value of Portimão. "Definitely the Autódromo, yeah? You’re sure they haven’t just created some uninspired circuit around the streets of Portimão instead…? Someone actually signed off on adding an actual dedicated race track to the calendar?!" one fan commented on Reddit, encapsulating the surprise and delight shared by many. Another respondent echoed this sentiment, stating, "Literally my thought as well! Can’t believe it’s a proper track, I’m so happy."
Portimão previously hosted Formula 1 races during the unprecedented 2020 and 2021 seasons, serving as a crucial stand-in venue during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Its reintroduction to the calendar for 2027 and 2028 suggests a strategic balancing act by F1 management, acknowledging the desire for a mix of traditional and modern circuits. The circuit’s challenging characteristics, including its undulating terrain, significant elevation changes, and wide, sweeping corners, left a positive impression on drivers and fans alike during its previous F1 stints. The track features a long main straight followed by a sequence of fast, flowing corners and complex braking zones, demanding both power and precise car setup. Its pronounced verticality, with noticeable ups and downs throughout the lap, is a particular highlight for many drivers and simulator enthusiasts.
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Indeed, the circuit’s popularity among sim racing communities was a recurring theme in fan reactions. "One of my favourite tracks to drive in racing games so very happy to see this!" one user wrote, while another added, "I agree! It’s my fav F1 track to drive in games. The verticality is really fun, plus I love that long, slightly downhill right-hander before the straight, it feels so fast." This endorsement from the digital racing world underscores the track’s engaging design and its capacity to offer a satisfying driving experience, attributes that are highly valued in real-world motorsport.
The contract, initially set for two years, was also a point of discussion. "A shame it’s only for 2 years, but I’m stoked to see Portimão back. Hopefully, the new regulation cars go well there. I’d take tracks like this on short-term contracts over endless boring street circuits," another fan remarked. This reflects a pragmatic acceptance of shorter contract durations for traditional venues, provided they offer a superior racing experience compared to some of the newer, less-favoured street circuits. The mention of "new regulation cars" is particularly pertinent, as Formula 1 is set to introduce significant technical changes in 2027, including revised aerodynamic concepts and power unit regulations. The hope is that these new car designs will interact positively with Portimão’s layout, potentially leading to more competitive and overtakable racing.
Despite the widespread enthusiasm, a degree of skepticism was also present among some observers. "I mean, I’m glad we get a proper race track and even in Europe. I do, however, think Portimão never really produced great races. Praying for Hockenheim after this contract runs out," one comment read. Another added, succinctly, "The idea of Portimão is better than the reality of Portimão." These viewpoints often stem from the circuit’s prior F1 events in 2020 and 2021, which, while offering a novel challenge, did not always deliver the wheel-to-wheel spectacle that fans crave. The 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, in particular, saw some drivers struggle with grip on the newly resurfaced asphalt, leading to a somewhat processional race after the initial chaos. Lewis Hamilton famously secured his 92nd career victory at the 2020 event, breaking Michael Schumacher’s record, while also winning the 2021 race. While the races were not devoid of action, they perhaps did not fully showcase the circuit’s potential for sustained, close-quarters combat.
The replacement of Zandvoort, the home of reigning triple world champion Max Verstappen, also adds a layer of intrigue. Zandvoort, another classic European circuit, returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 after a lengthy absence and has since become a fixture, drawing immense crowds of Dutch supporters. While the reasons for its departure from the 2027 calendar were not explicitly detailed in the announcement, F1 often rotates venues, especially in Europe, to manage demand and offer opportunities to other potential hosts. This rotation allows F1 to explore new markets while retaining a presence in traditional motorsport heartlands.
The return of the Portuguese Grand Prix is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the Algarve region, a popular tourist destination. The circuit’s infrastructure, while relatively modern, proved capable of handling F1 logistics during its previous appearances. For Formula 1 as a whole, the decision signals a continued effort to strike a balance between its global commercial ambitions and the desires of its core, traditional fanbase. The two-year contract provides a trial period for Portimão to prove its worth under the new 2027 technical regulations, potentially paving the way for a longer-term future on the F1 calendar or influencing the selection of similar "proper tracks" in future rotations. The debate between the allure of street circuits and the purist appeal of dedicated racing facilities continues, and Portimão’s return is a clear nod to the latter.
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- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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