Three unforgettable editions of the Turkish Grand Prix in Formula 1

The Istanbul Park circuit has had a turbulent history in Formula 1, having made its debut back in 2005 and immediately establishing itself as a classic, earning widespread praise from both fans and drivers. Turn 8 quickly became iconic - a long, fast, multi-apex corner taken at high speed, subjecting drivers to extreme lateral forces and standing out as one of the most demanding sections on the entire calendar.

The Turkish Grand Prix remained a staple on the schedule until 2011, when it dropped off due to financial issues, only to make a comeback a decade later. Amid the pandemic, the Turkish Grand Prix returned to Formula 1 for two further editions in 2020 and 2021, and is now preparing to begin its third stint in the sport’s top tier.

Mark Webber started from pole as Red Bull controlled the weekend, but the race took a dramatic turn when Sebastian Vettel made a move on his team-mate, resulting in a collision that forced the German out on the spot and left Webber with a damaged car, dropping him out of contention for victory. McLaren seized the opportunity, with Lewis Hamilton leading home Jenson Button to secure a one-two finish, while the pair also engaged in a fierce on-track battle of their own.

The clash triggered major internal tension at Red Bull and became a defining moment in the 2010 title fight, even though Vettel ultimately went on to clinch the championship in Abu Dhabi, denying Fernando Alonso, Ferrari and even his own team-mate.

The Turkish Grand Prix’s return edition took place in a weekend heavily affected by rain and a newly resurfaced track that offered virtually no grip. The first major shock came as early as Saturday, with Lance Stroll securing the first - and still only - pole position of his career in wet conditions for Racing Point, while Sergio Perez also impressed by qualifying third.

On Sunday, however, it was all about Hamilton’s magic. Starting from sixth on the grid, the Brit executed a flawless strategy, switching early to slick tyres while the track was still damp. That call proved decisive, allowing him to take the lead and seal the seventh world title of his career, matching Michael Schumacher.

It was also a superb race from Perez, who brought home a strong second place ahead of Sebastian Vettel, while Verstappen was left ruing what might have been after spinning while attempting to pass Stroll in the early stages of the race.

The 2021 weekend was held in damp conditions, though without the extreme chaos seen in 2020, with the surface still extremely slippery and heavy degradation affecting the intermediate tyres. Valtteri Bottas inherited pole position after Hamilton’s grid penalty for a power unit change, despite the Brit having set the fastest time in qualifying. In the race, Bottas delivered a faultless drive to take victory, managing the intermediates perfectly and securing his first win of the season.

Verstappen finished second after a solid performance that saw him return to the top of the championship standings, while Perez claimed third following a superb defensive display against Hamilton that proved decisive for the podium. Hamilton eventually crossed the line in fifth, losing the championship lead to Verstappen after a late pit stop compromised his race and cost him track position.