Formula 1’s 2024 season is nearing its end as we depart from Las Vegas’s ‘Sin City’ for the Middle East to host Round 23, the Qatar Grand Prix. Like last year, Qatar will host the final round of the Sprint weekend.

Located in the Qatari Desert north of Qatar’s capital, Doha, the Lusail International Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most enduring and demanding circuits.

History of the Qatar Grand Prix

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The Lusail International Circuit, the brainchild of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, was brought to life in 2004. The same year, on October 2nd, 2008, it showcased its inaugural racing event, the Marlboro Grand Prix of Qatar. The development of the circuit cost $58 million to complete, with a projected 1,000 workers contributing to its creation. Nonetheless, the track was designed primarily for motorcycle racing.

But if you asked the Motorcycle Federation in 2004 if the track would host four-wheeled events, they would most likely be scratching their heads. But it did come in 2006. The 1992 Formula 1 World Champion, Nigel Mansell, would take the gold competing in the GP Masters Series.

Moving to 2008, the Lusail circuit would install permanent lighting. This complex system designed by Musco Lighting became a glamorous feature but would take a mere 175 days to integrate. A feature that would allow the MotoGP to have the first-ever night race around the 5.4-kilometre circuit. Australian Motorcycle Racer Casey Stone won the first race of the 2008 Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Season.

While Qatar would bring a raft of racing divisions to venture around the Lusail International Circuit, it was not until 2021 that Formula 1 arrived. A development would see that replaced the Australian Grand Prix.

But Formula 1 would not return in 2022, as Lusail focused more on MotoGP. This was primarily due to Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So, Formula 1 would instead return in 2023.

Evolution of the Lusail International Circuit

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Before Formula 1’s return in 2023, the circuit underwent significant changes. The main improvement included a renovation of the pit and paddock area. The new pit building, which was certified by Guinness World Records, became one of the most municipal structures in motorsport. Why?

It features 50 team garages and a Formula One Paddock Club VIP locality. But not just that, a state-of-the-art race control tower with a fundamental media centre and medical facilities.

Alongside these upgrades, a new array of spectator seating, known as Lusail Hill, was featured. The ‘Hill’ integrates a spectacle for racing fans overlooking Turn 1, who possess standard tickets. The main grandstands, which have a view of the pit straight, can now hold a staggering 40,000 spectators.

Also, the track has created two new layouts. The first alternative, Club Circuit, is a 2.4-kilometre circuit that begins after Turn 3 of the Grand Prix Circuit and reaches Turn 10. However, the track has developed five new corners for the Club Circuit to be finished around before Turn 4.

The second variation is known as the Short Circuit, a 3.7-kilometre alternative that starts on the Grand Prix Circuit. It races around Turn 1 but does not turn left for Turn 2; it turns right, adding five new corners for the drivers to tackle and rejoining at Turn 11 of the Grand Prix Circuit.

Track Layout

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The Lusail International Circuit is a 5.4-kilometre circuit with 16 high-G corners—six to the left and 10 to the right. This clockwise circuit will push drivers to the limits with 308 kilometres of racing, which equals 57 laps.

Unlike Las Vegas, Qatar will only feature one DRS zone. This singular overtaking zone is located on the start-finish straight with the activation point set just after the pit lane entry.

Iconic Features

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The Lusail International Circuit in Qatar is a premier motorsport venue renowned for its illuminated night racing system, which features over 1,000 floodlights that create a stunning atmosphere. With a fast and flowing layout, the track also has a 1.068-kilometre main straight, perfect for overtaking.

Lusail also challenges drivers and riders with its various corner types and speeds, requiring a blend of technical skill and speed. So, one mistake could be the difference between pole position and failing to make it into Q3.

With picturesque views of the Qatari desert, the circuit offers a unique and dramatic setting. Still, wind and sand can affect racing, including the intense conditions that have proven to be exhausting for the drivers.

Memorable Moments at the Qatar Grand Prix

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With its debut at Lusail International Circuit, the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix played an important role in Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s fierce championship battle. Hamilton delivered a flawless drive from pole position to win the race decisively.

This victory was crucial for him to maintain his title hopes, as it closed the gap on Verstappen with just two races left in the season.

Verstappen fought back after being penalised to start seventh on the grid to finish second. Several drivers suffered tyre failures, including Valtteri Bottas and Lando Norris. An important highlight of the race was Fernando Alonso’s first podium since 2014, where he finished third in an impressive display of defensive driving.

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix will be remembered as an unforgettable race weekend, with Max Verstappen winning his third consecutive world championship. In one of the most impressive seasons in F1, Verstappen secured the title during the sprint race on Saturday. With the main race in extreme heat, Verstappen once again demonstrated his brilliance by securing pole position and extending his lead.

However, due to the brutal conditions, Logan Sargeant retired from the race due to exhaustion, while several others suffered from heat exhaustion. McLaren also resurged in the race, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finishing on the podium, marking an impressive performance. Besides Verstappen’s coronation, the Qatar Grand Prix 2023 will be remembered for the human endurance required to compete under such extreme conditions. They were giving the championship a dramatic and physical edge.

Live Timings – British Standard Time (BST)

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Friday (29th November)

1:00 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 1:30 pm)

4:30 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying – (Session begins at 5:30 pm)

Saturday (30th November)

1:00 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Sprint – (Session begins at 2:00 pm)

5:15 pm – Qatar Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 6:00 pm)

Sunday (1st December)

2:30 pm – Qatar Grand Prix – (Session begins at 4:00 pm)

If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “53 Points Behind! Is Red Bull Out of the Championship?” or “Las Vegas Grand Prix: Formula 1’s Royal Flush!”