History and Facts of the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix

Do you want to discover more about the historic Turkish Grand Prix?

If you answered yes, then this article was made specifically for you!

You're not the only one fascinated by the race held at the Turkish Park Circuit. In 2020, over 100,000 spectators witnessed a race fought out between Verstappen and Bottas. And once the track stays on the F1 calendar, the number of fans attending will continue to grow.

So what makes Formula One in Turkey such an engaging spectacle?

Relax and watch the lights go out as we take you around the fascinating history of the track.

History of the Turkish Grand Prix

The Turkish Grand Prix is held at Intercity Istanbul Park. Or, more commonly referred to as F1 fans, Istanbul Park Circuit.

The arena is located in Tuzla, around 45 km south of the capital. It opened in September 2003, with a capacity of 125,000 people and a track length of 5.338 km.

The first Turkish Grand Prix took place back in 2005. It was on the F1 calendar for seven consecutive years until it stopped in 2012 due to rising ticket prices.

However, after nine years of waiting, the beloved track was back in the 2020 season. Due to the global pandemic, F1 was struggling to fill the calendar. 

That opened the door for the return of the Turkish GP.

Quick Facts About the Turkey GP

With ten racing seasons, it's no surprise the track is full of interesting facts.

You can write a book about what happened on track here. But below are some of the best bits.

• In 2006, Seb Vettel was handed a $1,000 fine for speeding in the pitlane minutes into his debut
• F1 nicknamed the famous turn eight in the Turkish GP "Diabolica"
• The most successful driver to race at the circuit was Felipe Massa; in 2006, he won three races in a row with Ferrari
• In 2005, the McClaren of Juan Pablo Montoya set a new lap record of 1:24.770, which hasn't been beaten today 
• In the same year, Kimi Räikkönen was the first person to win an F1 race at the circuit 
• The most pitstops ever made in a dry race happened here in 2011, when the teams had a total of 82 stops.

2021 Formula One GP in Turkey

On October 9, 2021, Hamilton finished quickest after the checkered flag in Q3. However, he took a new ICE unit, dropping ten places. That promoted his teammate, Bottas, to pole position.

On a wet Sunday afternoon, Bottas led Verstappen and Charles Leclerc into turn one. That was moments before Gasly and Alonso collided, sending the veteran back to 15th.

Carlos Sainz started from the back of the grid, but after only 14 laps, he was back in the points.

Lap 35 gave F1 fans the best action all weekend. Perez and Hamilton were jostling for P4 during every corner. Hamilton took the lead down the pit straight, only for Perez to dive down the inside around turn one and regain P4.

Leclerc was winning the race after making no pitstop. Unfortunately for him, his tires degraded massively on the last 15 laps. But he did manage to hold off Lewis Hamilton.

Bottas stormed to victory, 14 seconds in front of Verstappen and 33 ahead of the other Red Bull.

The result of the 2021 Turkish F1 GP is below.

1. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing-Honda
3. Sergio Pérez, Red Bull Racing-Honda
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari    
5. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
6. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri-Honda
7. Lando Norris, McLaren-Mercedes
8. Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari
9. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin-Mercedes
10. Esteban Ocon, Alpine-Renault
11. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari
12. Kimi Räikkönen, Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari
13. Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren-Mercedes
14. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri-Honda
15. George Russell, Williams-Mercedes
16. Fernando Alonso, Alpine-Renault
17. Nicholas Latifi, Williams-Mercedes
18. Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin-Mercedes
19. Mick Schumacher, Haas-Ferrari
20. Nikita Mazepin, Haas-Ferrari 

Experience the Turkish Grand Prix

The Turkish GP is a bucket list item for most F1 fans. With the festive atmosphere, affordability, and wheel-to-wheel racing, there are plenty of reasons to come here. 

F1 popularity has soared in recent years. The downside is that everyone is trying to get their hand on a golden ticket.

So why not book your F1 packages today so you can guarantee a seat at this magical track?