“A surprise to snatch the podium” – Sebastian Vettel shows his class to take Turkish GP podium at Istanbul Park

“A surprise to snatch the podium” – Sebastian Vettel shows his class to take the Turkish GP podium at Istanbul Park, beating Ferrari teammate Charles Lerclerc in the final lap.

Form is temporary, Class is permanent. This is what today’s podium at Istanbul Park was all about, with Sebastian Vettel taking his first podium of the year. The multiple-time world champion shared the podium with two other legends – Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez.

Vettel, being the classy guy he is, went to Lewis Hamilton and congratulated him on his Michael Schumacher record-equalling 7th world title. Both these drivers have had epic battles over the years, and the mutual admiration is there for everyone to see.

“In all fairness, I mean it’s a good result for us, but it’s Lewis’ day if you make history like that. The first thoughts go to him and it’s a massive achievement and I’m happy I can witness the first time”.

An incredible opening lap from ‘Driver of the Day’ Sebastian Vettel

Vettel had an insane start to the race, climbing eight places to finish third on the podium. On the last lap, he was fourth behind his teammate, but Leclerc lost control of his car, allowing Vettel to take the podium. Conspiracy theorists would suggest it may well have been a swap done by Ferrari.

“Quite intense, quite long but really fun. A bit of a surprise to snatch the podium in the end but a really enjoyable race in tricky conditions.”

Driver of the Day

Vettel also won the Driver of the Day fan poll for his efforts, comfortably beating fellow podium finishers Hamilton and Perez.

Sebastian Vettel – 25.8%

Charles Leclerc – 20.3%

Lewis Hamilton – 16.7%

Sergio Perez – 8.2%

Carlos Sainz – 6.1%

Before you go: WATCH: Max Verstappen spins like Sebastian Vettel, misses out on potential Turkish GP podium at Istanbul