Wheel2Wheel Predicts how events will unfold every race from every circuit, Turkey is certainly no exception. At a track that saw arguably the race of the season last year, where Lewis Hamilton was crowded champion of the world for the seventh time, there is more pulsating action expected this time around. With the weather schedule looking slightly ominous, we could be in for yet another thrilling weekend, on the back of some incredible and unpredictable races recently. What surprises will Turkey have in store? Let’s take a look…
How long can Valtteri hold Max up for?
With Lewis Hamilton set to take his ten-place grid penalty on Sunday, this surely leaves Max Verstappen to hot favourite to take the victory and reclaim top spot in the Drivers’ standings. However, Mercedes are going to be strong here and there is a chance Valtteri Bottas out-qualifies the Dutch, Red Bull driver. If so, the longer he can keep Max behind him without jeopardising his own race, the better for the team, and for Hamilton too. A podium finish should still be on for Lewis, and you can also expect Valtteri to be asked to give his place up to the title challenger. With no contract next year, it remains to be seen how much Valtteri will comply with the order. The logical prediction, and the one I will make for this article, is that Max wins, Valtteri lets Lewis by for second, and finishes third himself, as a result.
Ferrari to have serious prancing horse power
Early signs in practice look promising for Ferrari. Both Leclerc and Sainz look strong, and they are quicker than their main rival, McLaren. At a race where they got a podium last year, and at a venue where Charles Leclerc will be looking for redemption almost more than anyone, watch out for the Italian team to do well here. With Lewis starting outside the top ten, a podium finish could be a realistic possibility here, and the team will know that. Strategy will play an important part in their success, this weekend. Carlos Sainz should be able to use his momentum from his podium finish a couple of weeks ago, to score well again here, and I predict that he will do just that.
Aston Martin to be Fast-on Martin
Much like with the previous entry, the signs are looking good from early sessions on Friday. Aston Martin have had a difficult run since the summer break and both drivers have struggled to get the best out of their cars. This weekend could be a great opportunity to score some points. Lance Stroll got pole here a year ago, and will be confident he can get a strong result. Whereas Sebastian Vettel will likewise be confident he can replicate the extent of his success somewhat, after scoring a podium in last year’s race. After a run of disappointing Grand Prix and with the team looking off the pace of other midfield teams by a distance, this could be the venue where their end of season push, kicks on. They will need to have a strong qualifying session to compete with the likes of…
Fernando Alonso to impress again…
Alpine. A team that has become solid and reliable, much like the Renault of last season. Both drivers have consistently been challenging the lower points positions and almost look comfortable in doing so. Fernando Alonso almost appears to have sixth position on contract, he is there that often and Ocon, who has been rather less consistent, will be hoping to have a strong outing this weekend. Much like with Aston Martin, a strong qualifying result is needed, especially with the like of Alpha Tauri and Williams looking like they could get to a similar pace. Your money would be better backing the Spanish driver this weekend, with Ocon not currently replicating his success on track, since the miracle in Hungary.
There Haas to be an opportunity for contextual improvement…
With races affected by rain and cars not finishing and unpredictability being a staple of all recent races, it has even more so reflected the true pace of that Haas car that they haven’t been able to not only capitalise, but even look like capitalising. Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin need to take advantage of any mishaps that happen ahead of them in the field. I feel like a broken record having stated all this before, but with last year’s race in the back of my mind, this Haas to be their best opportunity to salvage something from the season. The car, isn’t quick enough. The drivers, are not strong enough. But with weather and competition and mistake sure to happen, even seeing a Russian flag car up in 12th or 13th would be some feat. Remember, if nine non-Haas drivers fail to finish, that’s at least a point. I would not predict such an outcome but in Formula 1, as this season has shown more than any, anything can, and indeed does, happen.
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