Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W11 crosses the line and wins a 7th F1 World Drivers Championship as his team celebrate on the pitwall during the F1 Grand Prix of Turkey at Intercity Istanbul Park on November 15, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Joe Portlock - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
The 2021 F1 schedule sees the Turkish GP return after earlier cancellation
F1 have announced that the Turkish GP will return to the schedule this year, with the race at Istanbul Park set to take place in early October. This will be held on the weekend originally hosting the Singapore Grand Prix.
F1 will instead be racing around Intercity Istanbul Park, the venue of Lewis Hamilton’s record-equaling 7th World Championship title. The postponement was forced due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government and now will be held from 1-3 October.
A statement from F1 said: “After discussions with other promoters we are confident that we will be able to travel to the following race under our strict safety protocols.
“The Formula 1 community will continue to travel this season with stringent safety measures that has allowed us to travel safely this season. So far this season we have conducted over 44,000 tests with 27, positive cases a rate of 0.06%, with most coming during the earlier part of the season.”
The track is considered to be one of the best circuits in the world. It could also be an important stop in the race for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ title.
Lewis Hamilton started sixth from qualifying, after a poor finish on the penultimate day of the three-day event. Hamilton clinched his seventh title and equaled Michael Schumacher’s record. The win was his 94th in his F1 career.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez finished in the second spot with his former team Racing Point followed by Sebastian Vettel. Vettel has been impressive this season with Aston Martin’s first podium finish.
This year around, Verstappen and Hamilton will be going back and forth to win the World Drivers’ Championship. It looks like Turkey will arrive at a crucial point in the season in October and could determine the monumental battle at the top.
Max Verstappen currently leads the standings with 131 points. Hamilton is second and chasing with 119 points in the Drivers’ Championship.
More Formula One news:
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates
