Supporters of Formula One witnessed an exciting & unexpected Grand Prix on November 15th, with competitors failing to perform in horrendous conditions. Twenty drivers expressed from November 13th to 15th that driving conditions were similar to ice-rinks, that safety was being jeopardized. Multiple competitors spun-out during the three free practice sessions & qualifying, with grip hardly located by the Turkish Grand Prix. Max Verstappen to Lance Stroll all spun their vehicles throughout the 55 Laps, with the final podium positions being praised by the paddock & supporters for F1. Sergio Perez & Sebastian Vettel would earn their first podiums this season, an unforgettable moment for two drivers that’ve had challenging campaigns in 2020.
There were moments when the circuit began drying, prompting drivers to gain speed & grip for overtaking. Rainfall wouldn’t stop for the majority of the Grand Prix, forcing changes in strategy by most competitors. It’d be Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes AMG-Petronas that had the worst experience at the Turkish Grand Prix, with the teammate of Lewis Hamilton being spun-out on the first lap. Valtteri Bottas would spinout an additional two times from his respective loss of tyre grip.
Most drivers felt that conditions were appalling & not suitable for Formula One. Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Lando Norris all mentioned the unforgiving nature of this circuit. Russell said that conditions seen on November 15th were exciting, but that lap-times couldn’t be sustained, with most drivers three seconds lower than what their vehicles standardly achieve. Russell mentioned that the Turkish Grand Prix looked great from TVs but horrible for drivers, with every competitor concerned for their safety.
Motorsport analysts anticipated that two Safety Cards & one Red Flag would be evoked at the Turkish Grand Prix by FIA Stewards. Lack of collisions between drivers enabled the race to move forward without any interruptions. Continued excited unfolded from the first to the final lap, including Sebastian Vettel earning his first podium position since Mexico 2019 & Sergio Perez since the 2012 Italian Grand Prix.