Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap and went top of the timesheets in FP1 at Istanbul Park, leaving championship rival Max Verstappen four-tenths behind in P2.
Conditions this year were noticeably kinder to drivers than in 2020, with the track having been water-blasted to provide more grip, and as a result times were markedly quicker.
FP1 REPORT: Hamilton leads Verstappen in opening Turkish Grand Prix practice session
While Hamilton set the pace, he also has a 10-place grid penalty to contend with on Sunday, and it was Red Bull's Verstappen who was second in the opening session – with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc not too far behind...
Watch the FP1 highlights from the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix in the video player above.
Next Up
Related Articles
Alonso hopeful for 2026 as Aston Martin 'trust tools in the factory'
Coulthard relives his career in the latest episode of ‘F1 Memory Box’
Formula 1 and FIA announce 2026 Sprint Calendar
Martin Garrix to headline Dutch Grand Prix finale in 2026
ExclusiveLowdon on Cadillac’s preparations ahead of 2026 debut
F1 NationListen to our Azerbaijan GP preview