In Portugal, they dream of the return of the Grand Prix.

      Portugal is dreaming of the return of a national Grand Prix: the country’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, has already promised state support for such a project.

      At one time the Portuguese Grand Prix was held regularly; across different periods in Formula 1 history, 18 races took place on four different circuits. After a long break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, built in 2008, hosted the last two races — in 2020 and 2021.

      On both occasions Lewis Hamilton stood atop the podium there — of current Formula 1 drivers he is the only one to have won in Portugal.

      The circuit has hosted WEC rounds, touring series DTM and TCR Europe, and it regularly holds MotoGP races. Now, however, the country’s government intends to attempt to bring the Portuguese round back onto the world championship calendar.

      “One of the most effective ways to promote a region is to hold high-profile sporting events,” Montenegro said. “We have a contract with MotoGP, and rounds of the world’s premier motorcycle championship will take place this year and in 2026.

      I can also say that we are ready to reach an agreement with Formula 1 and to secure the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix to the Algarve in 2027. This will require a certain level of financial support from the government, but Formula 1 races deliver a return on investment both directly and indirectly, by attracting attention to the region, and it is truly worth it.”

      However, for such plans to become reality, Portugal will have to withstand competition from other countries that would like to secure a world championship round, as Formula 1’s global popularity continues to grow. In particular, Thailand, South Africa, Argentina, Turkey and even Rwanda are vying for a place.

      That said, since the championship organizers plan to introduce a rotation of events and hold them alternately in different countries, it cannot be ruled out that Portugal will succeed in negotiating the return of its Grand Prix.