On-off 2021 Turkish Formula 1 Grand Prix is back on!

In April, Formula 1 announced that due to coronavirus travel restrictions, the Canadian Grand Prix couldn’t go ahead and that Istanbul would replace Montreal for round 7 of the 2021 calendar. The race was set to take place during the weekend of June 11 to 13.

A fortnight later, Formula One announced the cancellation of the Turkish Grand Prix after the country was placed on the UK government’s red list. Austria instead hosted the race on 13 June.

Now the Turkish Grand Prix is back on the Formula 1 calendar, replacing the Singapore Grand Prix, which was scheduled for early October.

At the time of the May cancellation, Turkish F1 organisers had requested they rejoin the schedule later in the year, and were on standby for any further cancellations. Their wish has now been granted.

Nestled in between the Russian GP (26 September) and the Japanese GP (10 October), the Turkish Grand Prix will take place on 3 October 2021.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula1, said: “We are delighted to be coming back to Turkey to Intercity Istanbul Park circuit. We hope to see another fantastic race again in one of the best tracks in the world.

“We want to thank the Intercity Istanbul Park management and Mr. Vural Ak for his personal efforts to make this event to happen. We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix.

“We have had very good conversations with all the other promoters since the start of the year and continue to work closely with them during this period.”

Lewis Hamilton wins race & world championship at Turkish Grand Prix, 15 Nov. 2020

Embed from Getty Images

Joining the F1 calendar in 2005, Istanbul Park quickly established itself as one of F1’s most popular circuits. but dropped out a decade ago due to the significant costs of hosting the event.

The Turkish Grand Prix made a memorable return to F1 last November, following a revised schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Taking place in wet conditions, the race was one of the most dramatic of the season where Lewis Hamilton not only won the race, but also secured a record-equalling seventh world championship.