25.04.2026 15:33
Following the promotional meeting for the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix held at Dolmabahçe with President Erdoğan's participation, the F1 car departing from Galataport followed the Karaköy and Beşiktaş route to reach the Çalışma Office in Dolmabahçe. Those wanting to see the car driven by Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda created a large crowd along the route. A citizen watching the demonstration drive said, 'I was so excited, it passed by in an instant, I was stunned.'
The historic agreement to reintegrate the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix into the calendar starting from 2027 was announced today with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The collaboration, which will ensure Istanbul Park remains on the Formula 1 calendar for at least five years, was signed at a ceremony held at the Presidential Working Office in Dolmabahçe.
"IT HAS AN AMAZING SOUND"
Following the speeches, President Erdoğan and protocol members pressed the start button, and the Formula 1 car driven by Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda set off from Galataport. The vehicle followed the route through Karaköy and Beşiktaş, reaching the Working Office in Dolmabahçe. Those who wanted to watch the drive created crowds along the route. Samet Yaşar said, "I am already a fan. It is great, its return to Turkey is heartening. It already has an amazing sound, you might have heard it too. I really enjoyed it."
"I WAS VERY EXCITED FOR MY COUNTRY"
Emirhan Bülbül, who came to watch, said, "First of all, I was very excited for my country. I really want to see a Ferrari championship within these five years. I am very excited about that. Hearing that sound live when it arrives is a completely different feeling. I used to listen while watching, but it is not the same, definitely not the same. I saw it for maybe 15 seconds, but I really enjoyed it."
Efe Vulkan also said, "Yes, Formula 1 is an event we have been waiting to come to Turkey for years. Therefore, we are very happy. As a Formula 1 fan, I am really excited and hope the process goes well. Seeing it on the streets of Istanbul made us very happy and excited us as well."
"IT PASSED IN AN INSTANT, I WAS CONFUSED"
Tülin Koçak said, "I came out of the mall, everyone was looking at something. I couldn't understand what was happening, so I wanted to look too. When I asked, they said the Formula 1 car would pass by. I wanted to see it too. Honestly, I was so excited, it passed in an instant, I was confused. It is really a beautiful thing. I hope more of this follows."
"WE ARE WAITING WITH EXCITEMENT"
Metin Dinçer said, "Formula 1 used to come to Istanbul from time to time, but it was removed periodically. Hopefully, it will become permanent now. Many famous drivers came in the past. We are waiting with excitement, we are happy. Hopefully, it becomes permanent. I saw today's driver's name on the internet, but I don't know him much. Still, it was a good day for us. We encountered it by chance. We want to follow the race as soon as possible."