F1 could return to ‘awesome’ track where Lewis Hamilton has won twice

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The Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park could return to the Formula 1 calendar, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says.

Turkey was included in the schedule for both the 2020 and 2021 seasons but hasn’t featured since.

However, Ben Sulayem has raised the possibility of a fresh comeback after talks with the nation’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, via quotes from Motorsport.com.

F1 first raced in Istanbul in 2005, and the event was held for seven consecutive seasons.

However, the circuit’s bosses failed to agree a contract extension with then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone from 2012 onwards.

Turkey was absent from the calendar until 2020, when it staged round 14 of 17 as the pandemic rendered numerous planned venues unusable.

The race was initially scrapped for 2021 due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, but the cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix opened up a slot in September.

Turkish Grand Prix comeback is possible, says Ben Sulayem

Ben Sulayem held discussions with Erdogan on Sunday, a day after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

He says there’s an appetite to bring back the ‘popular’ track, but added that a deal will only be struck ‘if the stars align’.

“It was a pleasure to meet with President Erdogan,” he said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “Our talks centred on a range of topics. We discussed the possibility of a return of Formula 1 and WRC to Turkey.

“Istanbul Park is a modern circuit which is popular with drivers while the city of Istanbul is a thriving metropolis which would welcome a return of Formula 1 with open arms.

“President Erdogan also recognises the importance of the economic and cultural impact which world-class motorsport – Formula 1 and WRC – brings to the country.

“TOSFED, our Member Club in Turkey, have a wealth of experience in organising and managing major motorsport events. If the stars align, we could see a return of both world-class events to Turkey.”

Turkey looks to slot into record calendar

The 2020 race in Turkey proved to be a chaotic affair as drivers struggled to find any grip on the newly-resurfaced and wet tarmac.

Racing Point driver Lance Stroll took the one and only pole position of his career to date in a huge Saturday upset.

Lewis Hamilton came through from fifth place to win the race and seal his seventh world championship, while Sebastian Vettel took his final podium with Ferrari.

It was Hamilton’s second success in Istanbul after his victory with McLaren in 2010, placing him second behind Felipe Massa (three) on the circuit’s winning list.

The Mercedes driver said the track felt ‘awesome’ a year later after measures were taken to improve grip.

However, Valtteri Bottas won the race ahead of Red Bull pair Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after Hamilton received a 10-place grid penalty for changing an engine component.

The 2024 season will take in a record 24 races, but classic tracks like Spa-Francorchamps face an uncertain future, which could open the door for Turkey.