Turkish Grand Prix 2021: date and time of next F1 GP, weather forecast, track details - and how to watch on TV

Lewis Hamilton continued to break records and make history as he took his 100th race win in Russia - a feat never achieved before by any driver - and once again overtook Max Verstappen in their race for the Driver’s Championship.

They currently only have a gap of two points and that is yet again likely to change after this weekend as Mercedes have announced the possibility of an engine penalty for Hamilton.

Hamilton has raced with three engines so far - the maximum permitted in F1 - however as they look to avoid reliability failures in the battle against Verstappen, Toto Wolff told Sky Sports News that Mercedes are considering using a fourth engine for the remaining seven races. This move would then send the Briton to the back of the grid for the race he first uses it.

In Sochi, both Verstappen and Valterri Bottas overcame their own engine penalties. The 24-year-old Verstappen overcame starting last on the grid to finish in second place, whereas the 32-year-old Bottas had a grid-penalty of 15-places, starting in 16th and finishing in fifth.

The engines were not the only complications at the Sochi Grand Prix as Hamilton’s win came at the heart-breaking expense of Lando Norris missing out on a potential first ever race win.

The 21-year-old Briton led the race for 51 out of 53 laps before the rain came pelting down and his mediate tyres could no longer keep grip. After sliding off on the fifth corner of the 51st lap, Norris eventually came through to finish in seventh place.

Turkey is set to show just as much excitement with Hamilton continuing his bid for an eighth Championship title and Norris looks to come back fighting even harder than in Sochi.

When is the Turkish GP 2021?

The Turkish Grand Prix takes place Friday 8 October - Sunday 10 October 2021.

Where is the Turkish GP 2021?

The 16th race of the season takes place at the Intercity Istanbul Park Circuit.

This race was originally due to take place at the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore, however following ongoing safety and logistic concerns due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Formula 1 announced that the Turkish GP would return to the 2021 calendar.

What is Turkish GP track like?

At last year’s race, the newly resurfaced track meant it was exceptionally smooth and slippery. Coupled with the low temperatures and occasional rain showers meant drivers had great difficulty in keeping their cars straight.

This year, the Istanbul Intercity Park track has been water-blasted in the hope that there is an avoidance of last year’s problems.

The track is tricky enough without the added rain complications. Istanbul Park combines blind and multi-apex corners. Turn eight has four apexes and there are still an additional five around the rest of the track.

Turn one has a downhill plunge and there will be strong chances of overtaking throughout the race. Turn 12 is the most likely for overtaking as drivers will arrive at around 200mph before slamming on the brakes to turn.

It is one of the most technical tracks in the F1 calendar due to the number of complications each corner provides, but this also makes it one of the most exciting tracks as it has everything: high speeds, low speeds, gradient changes and overtaking opportunities.

What are the times for the Turkish GP 2021?

On Friday 8 October 2021 there are two practice sessions. The first is 9.30-10.30am BST and the second is 1pm-2pm BST.

On Saturday 9 October 2021 there is the third practice session and Qualifying. The practice session is 10am-11am BST and the Qualifying takes place from 1pm-2pm BST.

Race day is on Sunday 10 October 2021 and starts at 1pm BST.

How to watch the Turkish GP on TV

Every session from the start of the first practice session to the end of the race will be available to watch on Sky Sports.

A live stream of their coverage can also be accessed via NowTV.

Who is likely to win the Turkish GP 2021?

The last winner of the Turkish GP was Lewis Hamilton in 2020, however Verstappen is set to have a much stronger car this weekend and therefore may give him the edge over the Briton.

It is highly probable that there will be a winner outside of these two. Ferrari have had impressive success in previous years at this circuit.

Charles Leclerc suffered a last-minute spin off the track, robbing him of second place in 2020.  Additionally, Leclerc will return to racing this weekend with a new power unit.

The continually improving form in both McLaren drivers will give tough competition to their rivals at Ferrari and a dry track would definitely give the British team a heavy advantage over the Italians.

What is the weather forecast for the Turkish GP 2021?

The rain in Belgium and Russia have made for exceptionally dramatic races, however it is looking likely that this weekend’s Grand Prix will be dryer, warmer and slightly sunnier.

The current chance of precipitation for Friday’s practices is at 10% for the afternoon with temperatures reaching highs of 20℃.

Saturday has the strongest possibility of rain with a 40% chance of precipitation from midday onwards. Temperatures will remain in the late teens and sunny spells still seem likely.

Race day is currently looking to be cloudy but dry with highs of 19℃.

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