“Absolutely Heartbreaking”: Lewis Hamilton and Mick Schumacher Pay Condolences to the Victims of “Devastating” Events in Turkey & Syria

The Land of Four Seasons has shaken to the core with one of the biggest tremors since 1939. Turkey is such a beautiful and diverse country transcending two continents and is perhaps a bridge that connects them. And for the people over there to experience such a huge tragedy is certainly devastating. Having raced in Turkey, F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and his colleagues are reacting in condolence to these heartbreaking events.

Hamilton, on his Instagram, posted a story paying his sympathies to all the victims of this 7.8 magnitude earthquake. He stated, “My thoughts are with the people in Turkey, Syria, and all areas affected by this tragedy. Absolutely heartbreaking.”

Besides Lewis, his fellow reserve driver Mick Schumacher too paid his condolences and expressed sorrow on his Instagram story. Mick stated, “I feel with all the people in Turkey and Syria hit by the devastating earthquake. Terrible beyond words.” Even Esteban Ocon tweeted “🇹🇷🙏🏼” to pay tribute to the victims in the Turkish lands.

According to CNN, over 4,300 people have died across the southern and northern parts of Turkey and Syria, respectively. The 7.8 magnitude quake had its epicenter in southern Turkey and even had tremors felt until Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. More than 15,800 have been injured in only Turkey.

Read More: F1 Community Comes Together to Mourn the Loss of Hundreds After Turkey Tragedy

Turkey was in the running to get a place on the F1 calendar this season. After F1 canceled the Chinese GP, the Istanbul track was in contention to replace Shanghai alongside Portimao in Portugal. Although, Formula 1 decided to keep the weekend vacant and not schedule any replacement race. We still hope the F1 management helps the Turkish people in such a trying time in some way or the other.

F1’s Connection with Turkey ft. The Glory of Lewis Hamilton to Red Bulls coming together

Turkey’s place in F1 history will be an exciting chapter always. The Istanbul City circuit has always given us some awesome racing and iconic moments. Starting from the track itself, it is such a fan-favorite circuit with the iconic Turn 8 corner. There are fewer chances of a masterpiece like Istanbul’s Turn 8 again coming up somewhere else in the world.

Coming to racing, Turkish fans have seen several heart-stopping moments. In the 2nd Grand Prix at the circuit, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa grabbed his maiden pole and race win. Following the footsteps of the great Michael Schumacher, Massa announced his arrival at the top of F1 in Istanbul.

Cut to 2010, the Turkish GP got all the drama between Red Bull teammates. Sebastian Vettel attempting to overtake Mark Webber brought them together, colliding at the back straight in Istanbul. It was the first sparks of their teammate tensions that originated in Turkey that year.

In the recent one-off races in Istanbul, Lewis Hamilton took a lot of the headlines. The 2020 Grand Prix was a historical one after Lewis’s charge in the wet conditions to claim his 7th world title. Equaling Schumacher’s record, it was a heroic drive from 6th on the grid.

Although, a year later, the Mercedes driver had to contend with some disappointment. In a similar charge, he produced an epic wheel-to-wheel battle with Sergio Perez across the W section at the end of the track. Eventually, Lewis lost the battle and also was off the podium with Perez claiming 3rd place.

WATCH THIS STORY: Verstappen the Big Winner as Lewis Hamilton loses out at the Turkish GP

For now, everyone will hope for Turkey to recover well from this tragedy. After all, everyone wishes to see the Turkish people enjoy whenever F1 visits the amazing country.