Turkish Grand Prix: When Is the Next F1 Race After Russian GP?

The race at Sochi was a thrilling one, to say the least. A majority of the fans expected the Russian GP to be a boring one, but it was far from it. With battles spread throughout the field, the last-minute rain, elevation and heartbreak; it was a rollercoaster ride. Now, it seems like every race promises something new. With the Turkish Grand Prix coming up, one can expect nothing less.

The circus will head to the Intercity Istanbul Park circuit for their next race. The weekend will follow the usual race format, starting with the two practice sessions on October 8. FP3 will be followed by qualifying on the next day, as the weekend culminates with the race on Sunday, the 10th of October.

Initially brought into the calendar as a replacement to the Canadian GP, the 2021 Styrian GP took Istanbul’s place on the calendar. However, with the removal of the Singapore GP, Turkey found its place in the season’s almanac.

What to anticipate at the Turkish Grand Prix

A relatively young circuit, Intercity held its first race in 2005. A challenging 58 laps await the drivers at the Tilke masterpiece. The Turkish Grand Prix has its crown jewel: Turn 8. A fast corner, the downhill lefthander is a testing part of the circuit. Drivers will either overtake or won’t, but if they do, it will be of sheer brilliance. Depending on the willingness to take that risk, the cars go flat out on the corner.

Further, there’s the notorious Turn 12 of the corner, one that would remind Sebastian Vettel of his Red Bull days. Barring Vettel‘s infamous crash with Mark Webber, the circuit has often witnessed drivers coming together on the track.

Read More: Binotto Reveals the Real Reason for Ferrari’s Slow Pit-Stop of Charles Leclerc in Sochi

The track has held some epic battles in its time, some even featuring drivers on today’s grid. The masterful overtaking we see from Fernando Alonso today has had its moments in Istanbul. Battling with Schumacher‘s Ferrari in 2006, the two drivers battled for second in a fight that went right down to the checkered flag. Just one of many intense battles on the track, the 2021 season looks to be no different.

Recap of the 2020 race in Istanbul

More recently, however, the 2020 Turkish GP provides a better insight into what the next weekend can hold. Lance Stroll took pole position in his Racing Point and went on to lead the race. However, he lost positions halfway through as Hamilton, Perez, and Vettel stood tall on the podium.

The race was devoid of slicks as the wet conditions only allowed for a race on intermediates. However, the race was dominated by drivers spinning off the track, a sight we might see again as the 2021 race weekend forecasts rain. The perfect setting for redemption for Lando Norris?

As Hamilton claims his record-setting centenary win, he revisits the track where he equaled Schumacher’s championship record. A track filled with drama and action, the competition of the 2021 season will only act as a catalyst to what looks to be a riveting Turkish Grand Prix.

Watch this story: Biggest Crashes From 2020 Featuring Leclerc, Vettel & Grosjean