Will Hamilton break Schumi’s biggest record on Sunday?

The Mercedes driver may already set another record for the German legend in Sunday’s race in Istanbul – and the Brit has also determined another argument. The most important questions about the Turkish Grand Prix.

Formula 1 greets Central Europe this year, on Sunday the Turkish Grand Prix will take place in the Asian side of Istanbul (from 11.10 in live ticker on t-online). It is already the 14th of the 17 races of the Corona season, followed by a double in Bahrain and the final in Abu Dhabi. But racing history may already be written this Sunday at the Istanbul Park Circuit. Featured: Lewis Hamilton. Is a historical record falling? And the future of the British? And what is Sebastian Vettel doing?

The most important questions about the race at a glance.

What’s up?

A turning point in the history of the premier class. A record that once seemed unattainable could be established. The impossible could become reality. Because already Sunday Michael Schumacher could no longer be the only world record champion after 17 years of solitude on the throne. If Lewis Hamilton wins in Istanbul, his seventh world title is perfect. However, the Brit can achieve triumph this weekend with considerably less effort – all he has to do is finish ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. If the Finn wins without setting the fastest lap in the race, a second place is enough for Hamilton. He starts the race with a lead of 85 points and must bring with him a buffer of 78 points from Istanbul.

It would be the next record for the German Formula 1 legend that Hamilton has achieved. Just a few weeks ago at the Nürburgring he broke Michael Schumacher’s record with his 91st race, before adding the number 92 and number 93 in the last two races. “I would be incredibly proud to meet an icon like Michael Schumacher,” the superstar of the premier class of motorsport said at a press conference at the circuit near Istanbul on Thursday.

Is there another big topic this weekend?

There is, and it also concerns Hamilton. Because it is not yet official that the British would fight for eighth place after the seventh title: his contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the year. More recently, Hamilton has been flirting with a possible end of his career, but it’s much more likely that it will just be poker. After the title decision, the best driver and best team should sit down at the negotiating table. Single record world champion status should be too tempting for Hamilton.

Last races in red: Sebastian Vettel in the Ferrari garage ahead of the Istanbul Grand Prix. (Source: imago images)

What is Sebastian Vettel doing?

You don’t want to yell at him, but he’ll likely follow suit again. At least that’s what the results of the last few months suggest. He scored just two points from his last seven world championship races and Vettel was last in the top 10 on the starting grid at the fourth race of the season at Silverstone in early August. The Assiano does not get along well with his Ferrari, much worse than his young team rival Charles Leclerc. Vettel commented on the performance difference with his teammate weeks ago self-critical, said: “Charles always got out of the car last, but I haven’t always shown everything I can.” Perhaps the memory of the last Formula 1 race in Turkey gives a little impulse: Vettel won it in 2011 with Red Bull.

Is there still tension in the league?

Not at the top, but in the field of pursuit. Third place is unusually close this year, this is mainly due to the weakness of Ferrari. Renault (135), McLaren and the future Vettel Racing Point racing team (both 134) are separated by only one point. Racing Point, which will start as Aston Martin next year, is seen as a promising candidate in the final sprint. With third place, the team would secure a million dollar bonus just in time for Vettel’s arrival in 2021.

Why is Formula 1 racing in Istanbul again?

The Istanbul Park Circuit entered the calendar on short notice in times of pandemics, just like Mugello, Imola, Portimao and Nürburgring. These “exotics” made for a change are appreciated by riders and fans alike, but the hope of a long-term return has not been fulfilled. The normal schedule is expected to be completed in 2021. Completed with a new race in Saudi Arabia.