Five Unforgettable Moments from the Turkish Grand Prix

As İstanbul Park prepares to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 after signing a five-year deal, it's a good moment to reminisce about some of the most memorable events from the Turkish Grand Prix. Though it has only been hosted nine times, the circuit has witnessed plenty of action.

2010: Red Bull's Teammate Tangle The 2010 race provided one of the most talked-about moments in F1 history, featuring Red Bull teammates Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. Both were in the title race, arriving in Turkey tied on points. Webber started from pole, leading early on, only for Vettel to challenge him after Lewis Hamilton's pit stop woes. The two collided on the straight, with Vettel spinning off, famously declaring "I’m going home, **** you." The incident divided opinions over who was at fault, though Vettel eventually clinched the first of his four titles.

McLaren's Internal Duel The same 2010 race saw McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton battling for the lead after the Red Bull mishap. Ordered to conserve fuel, Button wasn't given a specific lap time, so he made a move on Hamilton. The two raced side by side, with Button briefly leading before Hamilton retook the lead on the main straight, securing his first win in Turkey.

Hamilton's 2007 Puncture Back in 2007, a rookie Lewis Hamilton was making waves, challenging two-time champion Fernando Alonso for the title. At İstanbul Park, Hamilton out-qualified his teammate but couldn't keep up with the dominant Ferraris. A puncture cost him a podium, allowing Alonso to close the championship gap.

Alonso vs. Schumacher in 2006 The 2006 race was another classic, with Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher battling for second place behind winner Felipe Massa. Alonso fended off relentless pressure from Schumacher, managing to hold onto his position by mere inches in a dramatic finish.

Hamilton's Seventh Title in 2020 The 2020 season saw the Turkish Grand Prix return amid a pandemic-altered schedule. Lewis Hamilton, starting sixth, navigated a chaotic wet race to win, clinching his record-equalling seventh world title. Valtteri Bottas, his teammate, had a disastrous day, spinning multiple times, while Lance Stroll, who started on pole, was hampered by car damage and extra pit stops.

These moments give a glimpse of the drama and excitement İstanbul Park has brought to F1, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its return.