MSC Cruises Will Sponsor Three Formula 1 Races in 2027
The cruise line expands its Formula 1 partnership with title sponsorships for races in Portugal, Belgium, and Turkey.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Motorsports
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MSC Cruises has announced it will serve as the title sponsor for three Formula 1 Grands Prix during the 2027 season. The agreement covers races in Portugal, Belgium, and Turkey, reinforcing the company's long-term global partnership with the sport.
Why it matters
The deal strengthens the integration of corporate hospitality and trackside branding into the Formula 1 experience through 2030. It coincides with the expansion of the race calendar to include new host venues like Turkey, which recently secured a five-year agreement.
MSC Cruises will hold title rights for three events in the 2027 season, which consists of 24 total Grands Prix. The partnership, which began in 2022, is slated to continue through 2030.
The players
MSC Cruises
This global cruise company is a major corporate partner of Formula 1 and utilizes the sport for international brand visibility.
Formula 1
This is the premier international class of single-seater auto racing governed by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile.
Explora Journeys
This luxury cruise brand is a subsidiary of the MSC Group and will share branding space at select racing events.
The details
MSC Cruises and its sister brand, Explora Journeys, will feature branding and hospitality activations at the Portuguese, Belgian, and Turkish races. The 2027 calendar features 24 total races across 22 countries, including the return of events at Portimão, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and Istanbul Park.
Timeline
June 18-20, 2027: The Portuguese Grand Prix is scheduled in Portimão.
July 23-25, 2027: The Belgian Grand Prix takes place at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
October 1-3, 2027: The Turkish Grand Prix is held at Istanbul Park.
Through 2030: The global partnership between MSC Cruises and Formula 1 continues.
Through 2031: The Istanbul Park circuit holds its five-year agreement for Formula 1 races.
Season Trajectory
This sponsorship update reflects the growing commercial scale of the 24-race 2027 calendar and the sport's reliance on global hospitality partners. It underscores how Formula 1 is leveraging long-term title agreements to stabilize venue presence at historic and new circuits.
Fans attending the Portuguese, Belgian, and Turkish Grands Prix will see expanded trackside hospitality and branding from the cruise operators. The addition of these three venues contributes to a record-setting 24-race schedule, impacting team logistics and travel planning for the 2027 season.
The takeaway
Commercial partnerships are playing a significant role in securing the long-term feasibility of historic racing venues on the Formula 1 circuit. Fans and spectators should expect a more integrated experience between luxury travel brands and major international sporting events.
Further reading
Find more updates on the upcoming racing calendar in our Motorsports section.
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