Bernie Ecclestone defended the return of Formula 1 to the Estoril Circuit, stating that the category should be present on the plot. The circuit, which hosted the GP of Portugal between 1984 and 1996, has been losing international relevance.
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13/10/2026
by
News to Minutes
Cwing Formula 1 in Portugal from 1984 to 1996, the Circuit of Estoril it was degraded and lost in the race to modernization over the years. But he still gains affection and even nostalgia for the moments that passed there.
Nowadays, is away from the major international stages of motor sports, failing to receive not only Formula 1, but also MotoGP, among other races.
He also lost championships such as the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). On the other hand, it has been a recurring Superbike World Cup bet.
The motorcycling championship with motorcycles derived from production went through the layout of the outskirts of Cascais last weekend. And there was an illustrious presence: Bernie Ecclestone's, former Formula One strongman.
The British magnate spoke to DAZN microphones and defended: “Formula One should be here. I came here with Mr. Blash to see, because I tried so hard to do something to take over the circuit a few years ago. Because I think it doesn't take much to do anything good here“.
There's a lot to figure out
The infrastructure would need modernization works to host a championship such as Formula 1 (for example, up until a few days ago Bank A was even banned). But it's not the only challenge.
The biggest is, perhaps, the issue of noise levels resulting from autodrome activities – which forced, for example, to drop motorcycle tracks days in August last year.
But there is also the ownership and management of space. Currently in Parpublica's possession, last March was announced the launch of a market consultation procedure for the possible concession – with the interest of the municipality of Cascais to assume management.
In July, the Report on the Identification of Strategic Companies in the State Business Sector argued that the managing company of the Circuit Estoril is not strategic and can render almost seven million euros to the State.
Historical moments in F1
The Estoril Circuit was inaugurated in 1972 and received Formula 1 for 12 years, from 1984 to 1996 (made part of the plans for 1997, but the race was cancelled for not performing the necessary works).
It was the track that most often hosted the maximum category in Portugal. There were iconic moments like Niki Lauda winning her third and final title in 1984 or Ayrton Senna's first victory in 1985.
In 1986, a particularly emblematic photograph with four champions was captured on the box wall: Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell.