Turkish Grand Prix Handbook

When the Turkish Grand Prix made its Formula 1 debut in 2005, the newly built Istanbul Park Circuit immediately received rave reviews. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the man behind the Bahrain International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit, this 3.3-mile track boasts modern facilities and a multitude of challenging corners – none more so than Turn Eight. The multi-apex left-hander is widely regarded as one the greatest corners in F1 history.

And it seemed it might well be consigned to just that, with the most recent F1 race taking place here back in 2011. But all that changed when a return was confirmed in August 2020 – much to the delight of drivers and teams. During Turkey’s relatively short spell on the calendar, McLaren has tasted victory on two occasions. Kimi Räikkönen stormed to success in the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix by leading every lap of the race from pole position, while Lewis Hamilton took the twelfth grand prix win of his career here in 2010.