Everything to know about the Qatar Grand Prix including Lusail track stats and previous winners

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The Qatar Grand Prix first joined the Formula 1 calendar during the Covid-19 disrupted 2021 season. But F1 agreed to return to Lusail on a multi-year contract that continued from 2023.

Lusail had already hosted global motorsport races since it opened as a motorbike track back in 2004. MotoGP holds an annual race at the circuit 23.6km (14.6mi) from the capital city of Doha. World Superbikes has also made many visits, as did GP2 Asia during its 2009 season.

Johann Zarco also set MotoGP’s then-record top speed during FP4 at the 2021 Qatar GP. The Frenchman clocked in at 362.4kmh (225.1mph) for Pramac. While Nico Hulkenberg held the lap record before Formula 1 first visited with a 1:35.741 for GP2 Asia pole in 2009.

History of the F1 Qatar GP

Formula 1, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and local authorities all agreed to stage the inaugural Qatar GP in 2021 as Liberty Media bid to fill its vacant mid-November slot. The cancellation of the Australian GP from that year’s billing created a void in its 22-race season.

Qatar had already started to explore staging a Formula 1 event before the 2021 round as the Middle East nation bid to improve its reputation as a sporting destination ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup also ensured Formula 1 did not race in Qatar that year.

Inevitably, Formula 1 racing in Qatar also drew claims of the Gulf state using the series as a form of sportswashing. Amnesty International’s UK CEO, Sacha Deshmukh, dubbed the race as ‘more of the same’ while urging the F1 drivers to speak out against human rights abuses.

The 2021 Qatar GP ultimately served as the 20th event of the 22-round season as Mercedes ace Lewis Hamilton won from title-rival Max Verstappen. Red Bull boss Christian Horner also had to apologise after he blamed a ‘rogue marshal’ for Verstappen receiving a grid penalty.

Verstappen would win the 2023 Qatar GP when Formula 1 returned to Lusail, though. His P2 finish in the Sprint was also enough to seal his third-straight drivers’ championship as Sergio Perez crashed out. Oscar Piastri even won the Sprint during his rookie season with McLaren.

Yet the 2023 Qatar GP also saw some drivers suffer from exhaustion after Pirelli had to limit tyre stints to 18 laps. Drivers spent almost all of the race driving flat-out without the worry of tyre degradation. But they were racing in temperatures of 35°C and also with 74% humidity.

What is the Lusail International Circuit like?

The Lusail International Circuit is a motorbike track featuring a 1km (0.6m) pit straight. Being a motorbike track, the circuit features a tight and twisty middle sector. It also features a host of long, quick, sweeping corners that give F1 drivers little rest and with G-forces of up to 6G.

Verstappen even held an average speed of 232.7kph (144.6mph) during his 1:23.196 fastest lap of the 2021 Qatar GP. His lap time was also faster than the Dutchman went in qualifying to secure Red Bull pole position on a resurfaced circuit at the 2023 race with a 1:23.778 lap.

Winners of the F1 Qatar GP