Vettel: 'You could say my Formula 1 career began in Turkey'
Vettel: 'You could say my Formula 1 career began in Turkey'
Sebastian Vettel is excited to return to the track he credits as the place his Formula 1 career began in 2006.
This weekend F1 will race in Turkey for the first time since 2011, a race in which Vettel was victorious.
However, the German has been far from his race winning best this season, and has banked just two-points from the past seven race while his Ferrari team-mate, Charles Leclerc, has scored 40 in the same period.
"I am happy to be going back to Istanbul Park, a circuit that holds many happy memories and some less so," Vettel said.
"For example, you could say my Formula 1 career began here in 2006, as I made the headlines setting the fastest time in what was my first Friday free practice session appearance with BMW Sauber. And I also won here in 2011, the last time we came to Turkey."
At the time of his BMW outing, Vettel became the youngest driver ever to take part in an official F1 session aged just 19 years and 53 days.
He added: "It’s a very interesting track which is very nice to drive. There are several changes of elevation that are much more severe than they appear on television, as well as some very exciting sections.
"Of course, that includes turn eight with its three apexes, but actually, from a technical point of view, this track has a bit of everything. And I think that those drivers who have never been here before will also like it right from the start."
Team-mate Charles Leclerc, who is yet to race at the circuit in any category, highlighted turn eight as his point of intrigue given the performance of this year's F1 cars.
The Monégasque revealed the feedback he has received from others who have raced at the venue before has added to expectations.
"This will be my first time at Istanbul Park," he added. "I’ve watched a few videos of races and I’ve spoken to those who have raced there already and all the comments seem positive.
"I can see the layout is very varied, with gradient changes and some spectacular corners. I am particularly looking forward to experiencing turn eight. It will be interesting to see how the current cars perform there, which will be something new for everyone."
Before you go...
F1 should focus on street racing and old tracks – Magnussen
Mercedes will "finish the season in style" promises Wolff
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Marko defends Ricciardo in 'unbelievable' idiot claim
- 44 minutes ago
Hamilton hints at sensational Newey arrival at Ferrari
- 1 hour ago
Suspended Red Bull employee 'grilled' as Horner saga given potential END DATE
- 2 hours ago
BLOW for former F1 champion as Mercedes preferences revealed
- 3 hours ago
F1 boss HITS BACK at star driver over schedule complaints
- Today 17:58
F1 2025 Driver Lineup: Big names on the move as half the grid reshuffles for next season
- Today 17:00
Related news
Ferrari show off new-look drivers following HUGE announcement
Sky Sports F1 pundit dumbfounded by key Ferrari decision
F1 giants announce name change with IMMEDIATE effect
Ferrari announce HUGE F1 change to iconic red livery
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860