Qatar

The Qatar Grand Prix, is one of the latest and newest Grand Prix events, in the Formula One Calendar. It is the sport's latest track in the Middle East, making it the 4th time F1, has raced in the Arab World. The Lusail International Circuit, is one of the fastest tracks in the calendar having to include a lot of high speed corners, and long straights.

Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24

Helicopter shot of Lusail International Circuit (Formula1)

Qatar GP

The first time Formula One, had race in Qatar, was not long ago. It was during the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship. The Lusail International Circuit, was chosen as their venue in Qatar. Many fans, had mixed feelings for the track. First and foremost, it looked too similar to the Bahrain International Circuit. Another thing that fans thought the track was lacking, was the number of low speed corners. Lusail, doesn't contain a lot of low-speed corners as the track is packed, with a lot of high speed turns and straights, hoping to promote better racing action.

Lusail International Circuit Layout

Turns: 16

DRS Zones: 2

Length: 5.41km (3.36mi)

Fastest Lap: Lando Norris

1:22.384

Formula One, would get going in Qatar for the first time, during the 2021 Qatar GP. The Championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, never fought wheel to wheel, as Hamilton had a massive lead to Verstappen. But, Alpine would have an amazing weekend. Their driver Fernando Alonso, would finish the race in the podium places after finishing 3rd. This would be very special for Alonso, as he hasn't been on the podium, since 2014.

Alonso's podium 2021 Qatar GP (Autosport)

Many expected another Qatar GP to happen in 2022. Unfortunately it got cancelled, due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place at Qatar. But F1 would return to Qatar in the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship.

F1 would return to Qatar in 2023. During the 2023 Qatar GP, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton had a disastrous Grand Prix start. He tried to overtake his teamate George Russell on the opening lap of the Grand Prix. Unfortunately for him and his teamate, then both ended up crashing in turn 1. Russell had lost a lot of places and Hamilton, retired from the GP.

Hamilton's Retire 2023 Qatar GP (Formula1)

Qatar may still be a questionable track to the fans. But as time goes on, the track started to grow on them. The high speed corners had fascinated the drivers over the past few years. Qatar may even be one of the most fun circuits on the calendar, due to the simple layout. But Lusail would still be a great track to host a Formula One GP in Qatar in the coming years.

WINNERS

2021: Lewis Hamilton

2023: Max Verstappen

2024: Max Verstappen