At the weekend of the Turkish Grand Prix 2021, Mercedes has so far been dominant. However, given the course of the race last year as well as some of the circumstances of today’s event, it is impossible to write off some surprises for the race. From an unpredictable track surface to the front runner from the middle, there is enough to shake up the order in today’s race.
Mercedes rival Red Bull Racing may not have started this weekend as well, but that doesn’t stop them from doing their best both on track and in the pits.
With Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen separated by two points, it will be interesting to see who is at the top of the drivers’ standings after the Turkish Grand Prix. With difficult asphalt and grip conditions, both practice and qualifying testified to the unpredictability of this track. With this in mind, we list five contingencies that can play out at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.
2021 Turkish Grand Prix predictions
Max Verstappen in the pit lane during practice prior to the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
# 1 Red Bull Racing will be stronger in the race
Given the odds at stake, it is highly unlikely that the Milton Keynes team will not take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push for a possible win at the Turkish Grand Prix.
With Hamilton starting from 11th on the grid, you can rest assured that Verstappen will make a serious attempt today to beat Valtteri Bottas on the first corner. The Dutchman will be penalized from the dirtier side of the field. However, he has overcome this obstacle more than once in the past. Bottas, on the other hand, is known for struggling to get off the line and that could be all Verstappen needs to take the lead.
As for the pace, from what was understood there were balance issues with the car, mostly due to the combination of tarmac conditions and softer compound tires. Red Bull Racing drivers may have looked a bit out of pace in qualifying on the soft tires, but they could be very competitive during the race if they step up to the harder compounds. A Red Bull Racing win on this track cannot be written off.
# 2 Alonso’s first podium since returning to Formula 1
The old pro Fernando Alonso is the ultimate opportunist. As a die-hard scrapper who spares no inch, he could stand for a first podium since his return to the sport this year. Given the unpredictability factor at this track and his eagerness to shine for the F1 alpine team, the Turkish Grand Prix could just be his race to shine.
In qualifying, the Spaniard showed his unique ability to optimize the soft tires in the correct temperature window. From fifth on the grid, a clean start, efficient tire management, coupled with his otherwise brilliant racing technique, he could not only achieve his season best position from fourth, but maybe even onto the podium.
Edited by Sandeep Banerjee
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