2021 Turkish Grand Prix: 5 things to watch out for

The 2021 Turkish Grand Prix weekend has seen Mercedes look dominant so far. However, given how the previous year's race went, as well as some of the circumstances surrounding today's event, one can’t write off a few surprises for the race. From a track surface that continues to be unpredictable to the points leader starting from mid-pack, there's enough to shake up the order in today's race.

Mercedes rivals Red Bull Racing might not have started out on a strong footing this weekend, but that won't keep them from giving their best both on the track and in the pits.

While two points separate Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, it will be interesting to see who emerges at the top of the drivers standings post the Turkish Grand Prix. With tricky tarmac and grip conditions, both practice and qualifying were testimony to the unpredictability factor at this circuit. With that in mind, we list five eventualities which can play out in the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.

2021 Turkish Grand Prix predictions

Max Verstappen in the Pitlane during practice ahead of the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix . (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

#1 Red Bull Racing will be stronger in the race

With the odds at stake, it is highly unlikely that the Milton Keynes outfit will not capitalize on the golden opportunity of pushing for a potential victory at the Turkish Grand Prix.

With Hamilton starting in 11th, count on Verstappen making a serious run at beating Valtteri Bottas into the first corner today. The Dutchman will be at a disadvantage starting from the dirtier side of the grid. However, he's overcome that hindrance on more than one occasion in the past. Bottas, by comparison, is known to struggle to get off the line, and that could be all Verstappen needs to take control of the lead.

In terms of pace, from what is understood, there were balance issues with the car, mostly due to the combination of the tarmac conditions and softer compound tires. Red Bull Racing drivers might have looked slightly off pace in qualifying on the Soft tires, but they could very well be competitive during the race as they progress to the harder compounds. So, a Red Bull Racing victory around this circuit can’t be written off.

#2 Alonso's first podium since F1 return

Old pro Fernando Alonso is the ultimate opportunist. A hard-nosed scrapper who never spares an inch, he could be set for a first podium finish since his return to the sport this year. Given the unpredictability factor around this circuit, and his eagerness to shine for the Alpine F1 outfit, the Turkish Grand Prix might just be his race to shine.

In qualifying, the Spaniard exhibited his unique skills of optimizing the Soft tires in the right temperature window. Starting fifth on the grid, a clean start, efficient tire management, coupled with his usually brilliant racecraft, could see him not just match his season's best finish of fourth but perhaps even a podium.

#3 Advantage Ferrari

Charles Leclerc driving the Scuderia Ferrari SF21 during qualifying ahead of the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

In the battle between McLaren and Ferrari, the scarlet outfit could emerge as clear winners at the Turkish Grand Prix. Given their form all weekend, a key takeaway was their competitive pace in both qualifying and race trims. The surge in performance is credited to the new hybrid system on their power unit, combined with their efficiently balanced chassis design.

With Charles Leclerc starting the Turkish Grand Prix from second row in third place, they could be in a strong position to aim for victory. Given the unpredictable nature of the season overall and the different race winners that we've seen so far this season, the Turkish Grand Prix could be Leclerc’s chance to capitalize on the opportunity.

Despite Carlos Sainz’ penalties, but nevertheless one can expect a top 10 finish for him, given the pace of the Ferrari at this circuit. A decent result here could benefit in their battle with McLaren.

#4 Tire drama

The wet weather tyre of Pierre Gasly during final qualifying ahead of the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

Given the number of uncertainties and lack of data at this circuit when it comes to modern F1 cars, several unpredictable factors make the Turkish Grand Prix one to look forward to. It is one of the races that has the possibility to produce a mixed result and lead to some action-packed track drama due to its unpredictable grip conditions.

Drivers starting the race on Soft and Medium tires could have a dicey time during the opening laps of the race. With Pirelli bringing their Soft range of tire compounds to this circuit, tire degradation is going to be an issue for many. Tire management and performance will play key to the events that unfold throughout the course of the Turkish Grand Prix.

5) Windy woes

For most of the Turkish Grand Prix weekend so far, we've seen drivers scampering for grip. From experienced veterans to up-and-coming newbies, almost everyone has struggled to gauge traction levels at different points of the freshly water-blasted and smoothened circuit, and quite a few were caught out.

During qualifying in particular, countless drivers spun their tires and ended up losing control of their cars. Verstappen looped his Red Bull around under acceleration in Turn 1 early in the session while in the final corner, Williams' George Russell chucked away a lap that could've possibly gotten him into Q3.

However, aside from the surface issues, wind played a significant factor as well. At a circuit with plenty of high-speed sections that emphasize aerodynamic stability, gusts of up to 45kmph played havoc with the cars' balance.

With similar wind conditions expected on Sunday as well, expect to see some more drivers getting caught unawares, especially later in the stint when the tire falloff is maximum.