Formula 1’s return to Türkiye from 2027 marks a major moment not only for motorsport, but also for Istanbul’s international media visibility, destination positioning and production potential.

According to Formula 1’s official announcement, Istanbul Park will return to the Formula 1 calendar from 2027 as part of a new five-year agreement. The return places Türkiye back on the global motorsport map and creates new opportunities far beyond the race weekend itself.

Istanbul Park has always held a special place in the Formula 1 world. Known for its challenging layout and the legendary Turn 8, the circuit last hosted Formula 1 in 2021. Its return is expected to bring renewed international attention to Istanbul as a sports, media and destination hub.

More than a race weekend

Modern Formula 1 is no longer only about what happens on the track. Each Grand Prix weekend creates a global content ecosystem involving broadcasters, documentary teams, digital platforms, sponsor brands, automotive companies, lifestyle agencies, VIP hospitality providers and international media crews.

For cities that host Formula 1, the opportunity extends far beyond the circuit. Race week generates demand for city b-roll, cultural storytelling, branded content, interviews, hotel and hospitality features, fan atmosphere, aerial footage, corporate events and destination-focused media production.

This is where Istanbul has a unique advantage.

Few cities in the world can offer such a strong visual and cultural contrast within a single destination. Istanbul combines history and modernity, Europe and Asia, heritage and luxury, sport and lifestyle. From the Bosphorus, the Historic Peninsula, Galata, Karaköy and Ortaköy to luxury hotels, restaurants, marinas, business districts and the wider Istanbul Park area, the city offers a powerful visual backdrop for international productions.

Why this matters for international productions

The return of the Turkish Grand Prix creates a strong opportunity for international production companies, broadcasters and branded content teams planning to film in Türkiye.

During a Formula 1 week, many productions may require city establishing shots, Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline footage, interviews with local figures and motorsport personalities, sponsor and brand activation coverage, VIP hospitality and corporate event filming, drone and aerial filming, travel and destination content, behind-the-scenes and documentary-style material, automotive and lifestyle content, and news, sports and digital media coverage.

For international crews, the key to working successfully in Türkiye is early planning, correct local guidance and proper coordination with the relevant public authorities.

Turkish Film Commission’s role

Turkish Film Commission is not the race organiser and does not represent Formula 1 or the Turkish Grand Prix organisation. However, for international media, documentary, branded content and production teams planning to film in Türkiye, Turkish Film Commission can act as a local production gateway.

Our role is to support international productions with practical, on-the-ground production coordination across Türkiye.

This includes filming permit guidance, public-area filming coordination, district-based location support, local fixer and field producer services, drone permit coordination, Turkish-licensed drone operator support, camera crew and technical crew coordination, location research and scouting, transport, accommodation and logistics support, interview setup and production planning, and brand, sponsor and hospitality content support.

Türkiye offers strong production value, experienced crews, diverse locations and a highly cinematic environment. With the right local coordination, international teams can film efficiently, legally and professionally.

Drone filming and local regulations

Drone filming in Türkiye requires careful planning. International teams should not assume that foreign drones or foreign drone pilots can operate freely in Türkiye.

Drone operations are subject to official procedures and must be planned with Türkiye-registered drones and licensed local drone operators. This is especially important for city filming, heritage areas, public spaces, high-security zones and major event environments.

For productions planning aerial footage around Istanbul or other locations in Türkiye, Turkish Film Commission can assist with the correct local approach and coordination process.

Istanbul as a global sports media destination

Formula 1’s return strengthens Istanbul’s position as a global sports media destination. The city already has strong international visibility through football, basketball, culture, tourism, hospitality and large-scale events. The Turkish Grand Prix adds another powerful layer to this positioning.

For broadcasters and production companies, Istanbul offers more than a host city. It offers a complete story environment.

It is a city of movement, history, scale, contrast and atmosphere. This makes Istanbul highly valuable not only for race coverage, but also for documentaries, branded films, destination campaigns, travel features, sports lifestyle content and international media storytelling.

Opportunities for brands and sponsors

Grand Prix weeks are also major platforms for brands. Automotive, technology, finance, luxury, fashion, watches, hospitality, energy drink, travel and lifestyle brands often create content around Formula 1 weekends.

Türkiye’s return to the Formula 1 calendar creates new opportunities for brands looking to connect motorsport with Istanbul’s visual identity, hospitality infrastructure and cultural energy.

Turkish Film Commission can support international agencies and branded content teams with local production planning, permits, locations, fixers, crew, logistics and filming coordination.

Early planning is essential

International teams planning to film in Türkiye around the Turkish Grand Prix should begin preparation early.

Filming in public areas, historic districts, private venues, hotels, roads, waterfront locations or drone zones may require different levels of permission and coordination. The earlier the production details are shared, the more efficiently the process can be managed.

Before arriving in Türkiye, production teams should ideally prepare the project synopsis or treatment, shooting dates, crew list, equipment list, drone requirements if any, location list, interview requirements, daily filming schedule, and transport and logistics needs.

This allows local teams to assess the correct permit path and production requirements in advance.

A new chapter for Türkiye’s global visibility

Formula 1’s return to Istanbul Park is a significant moment for Türkiye.

It is a sporting milestone, but also a media, tourism, hospitality and production opportunity. The global attention generated by the Turkish Grand Prix can help showcase Istanbul and Türkiye to international audiences in a powerful way.

The real opportunity is not limited to the race itself. It is in the stories, images, campaigns, documentaries, interviews and destination content that will be created around it.

Turkish Film Commission is ready to support international productions planning to film in Türkiye before, during and after major international sports events.

Production support in Türkiye

Planning to film in Türkiye around the Turkish Grand Prix or another major international sports event?

Turkish Film Commission can support your team with filming permits, local production coordination, fixers, field producers, drone operations, location support, crew, equipment and logistics across Türkiye.

For filming permit and production support inquiries, please contact Turkish Film Commission.