Three-Time Turkish Grand Prix Winner Felipe Massa Returned to İstanbul

The Brazilian driver, who never lost a Turkish Grand Prix after starting from pole position and remains the most successful driver in Turkish Grand Prix history, returned to İstanbul for an open-air screening of the F1® movie, a fan Q&A and a reunion with the circuit where he built his legacy — ahead of Formula 1®’s return to Türkiye in 2027.

As anticipation continued to build for the FORMULA 1® TURKISH GRAND PRIX 2027, scheduled for 1–3 October 2027 at İstanbul Park, Türkiye welcomed back one of the circuit’s most iconic figures. Felipe Massa, who dominated the early years of racing at İstanbul Park, visited İstanbul for a multi-day programme organised by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). The visit brought Massa back to the circuit, where he won his first of 11 Formula 1® victories and built an enduring connection with Turkish motorsport fans.

A Driver Who Made History in İstanbul

Massa remains the most successful driver in Turkish Grand Prix history, having won three consecutive races at İstanbul Park in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He started each of those races from pole position. His maiden Formula 1® victory came in İstanbul in 2006. He went on to become the only driver to win from pole position in all three Turkish Grands Prix held at the circuit.

Across his Formula 1® career, Massa recorded 11 Grand Prix victories and 16 pole positions. He finished runner-up in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship by a single point and retired from Formula 1® in 2017.

From Racing Legacy to İstanbul’s Heritage

Massa’s visit connected his motorsport legacy with the history and culture of İstanbul. The programme included an open-air screening of the F1® movie, as well as visits to the city’s Historical Peninsula, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. He also took part in a VIP Bosphorus tour from Karaköy, followed by a seaside lunch overlooking the strait that separates Europe and Asia. The following day, Massa returned to İstanbul Park for a driving session, an exclusive interview and press and fan engagements. The programme linked the driver’s historic achievements at the circuit with Istanbul Park’s upcoming return to the Formula 1® calendar.

Felipe Massa: “I will never forget İstanbul”

During his visit, Massa said, “İstanbul Park has always been a special place for me. I will never forget what I experienced there, those three years. Now, being back in İstanbul before the circuit's return to Formula 1 and meeting fans again after many years is a true happiness for me”

Building Momentum Towards 2027

Massa’s visit formed part of TGA’s broader international promotional campaign ahead of the FORMULA 1® TURKISH GRAND PRIX 2027. The campaign followed the calendar confirmation announced by the FIA and Formula 1® in September 2026, as well as the global launch event held in İstanbul in April 2026. İstanbul Park is scheduled to host the Turkish Grand Prix for the 10th time in 2027.