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The Turkish Grand Prix made its return to the Formula 1 calendar last year, much to the delight of motorsport fans. One of the world’s most popular circuits, it delivered a hugely entertaining race.
A combination of poor weather conditions and the track’s resurfacing tested the drivers on what was more of a slip-and-slide than a Grand Prix. Lance Stroll took a sensational maiden pole position by over a second, while drivers span left, right and centre on race day. Hamilton, Perez and Vettel made up the podium, and the British driver secured his record-equalling seventh World Championship.
While we’re hoping for better weather conditions this time around, we’re sure we’ll be treated to another memorable race.
But that’s not the only reason to head to Istanbul this autumn. Check out our top five reasons to book your ticket to the race, and visit Istanbul, Turkey in 2021.
Five reasons to book a ticket to the Turkish Grand Prix
Image copyright; Motorsport Images
The pure speed of the Istanbul Park Circuit
The speed around this track is insane. When it debuted in 2005, the race quickly became a favourite among fans and drivers alike with 70% of a lap spent at full throttle and Lewis Hamilton clocking a top speed of 200mph at the last outing in 2011.
The cars have evolved leaps and bounds since then, with huge downforce on modern F1 cars. It will be a spectacle to see the cars take on some of the circuits high-speed track, not least, turn 8.
Image copyright; Motorsport Images
That turn 8
Yes, turn 8 is so legendary it gets its own entry.
Given some of the smallest kinks in modern F1 tracks are counted as ‘turns’ – we’re looking at you Red Bull Ring – turn 8 at Turkey could have been classed as four separate turns.
Taken with the throttle flat-out, the drivers are constantly turning left with four different apexes to hit. It’s a corner that can kill the tyres, and the drivers’ necks as they battle the G-forces in the cockpit.
It’s a corner that is just a joy to watch the cars drive through, and with grandstands that have a perfect view of this corner, this year is a prime opportunity to see it in action
Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
The circuit is located in a park in Turkey’s biggest city – Istanbul.
The history of Istanbul dates way back to 300BC, when it was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It’s littered with ancient landmarks such as the Column of Constantinople, built in 238 AD.
Constantinople was also the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and is home to some stunning architecture from the era. The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and (Kapalıçarşı) are two examples of Turkeys famous bazaar shopping centres.
Built over 500 years ago, the grand Bazaar houses over 4,000 shops across 61 different streets, and welcomes almost 92 million visitors a year.
Food and drink
Of course, if you haven’t spent all your money in the Bazaar, you’ll have some leftover for the incredible food and drink.
Thanks to its location, Turkish food has man influences. From Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Mediterranean cuisines come together to create an incredible fusion. Kebabs, koftas, pide, kumpir, the menu is chock-full of flavour.
Can’t decide? You’re in luck. Mezes are hugely popular in Turkey meaning, like Spanish Tapas, you can sample a number of cold eats in one sitting. Get in.
And to drink? Turkish Raki is the signature of the country. A warm aniseed-flavoured spirit, this is likely something that will accompany your evening meal. Any beer drinkers out there will want to become accustomed with Efes, the crisp lager that accounts for 80% of beer sales in Turkey!
Affordability
Visiting Formula 1 races shouldn’t have to cost the Earth. Tickets for the Turkish Grand Prix started as low as £14. That’s not a typo, it’s not missing a zero. While general admission seats sold out quickly, there are some great prices for grandstand seats available.
We would recommend Gold 1 and Gold 2, which have views of the main straight and finish line for just £243.
But it’s not just the tickets that are of great value. Flights to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport are priced at just over £100. You can check out all flight options by clicking here.
Of course, it goes without saying that a big reason to be at this race is the fact that it’s an F1 race with fans in attendance. A rare sight in 2020, it has been increasingly common, and it’s your chance to be a part of a historic season.