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Schedule
The Circuit
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Schedule

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Free Practice 1
Sprint Qualifying
Sprint
Qualifying
Race
Free Practice 1
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Sprint Qualifying
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Sprint
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Qualifying
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Race
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The Circuit

Lusail International Circuit received lots of upgrades between our visit in 2021 and our return to racing last year. The track was completely resurfaced, with kerbs also being modified. Tyres are put through their paces, with forces similar to circuits like Silverstone and Suzuka, which have led to Pirelli supplying the three hardest compounds available – C1, C2 and C3.

The 5.419km circuit consists of 16 corners, most of which are medium to high speed. The complex of right-hander corners between Turns 12 and 14 are intense and similar to the famous Turn 8 at Turkey’s Istanbul Park, just in the opposite direction. The start-finish straight also stretches more than a kilometre, and makes for a great overtaking spot going into Turn 1.

Downforce and lateral forces are also high here, as well as track evolution. Being in the desert means that sand can often find its way onto the track, despite preventative measures being in place.

Temperatures and humidity were a huge talking point after last year’s race, with several drivers reporting issues and needing assistance after the chequered flag. As a result, the round was moved from early October to the last weekend of November on the 2024 calendar. It’s hoped this will help, even though the Qatar Grand Prix is a night race!

Held under the floodlights, temperatures are likely going to vary across the sessions over the Sprint weekend, with the first and only free practice session being held at 16:30 local time (13:30 GMT), compared to the race which starts at 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

  • First GP
    2021
  • Circuit Length
    5.419km
  • Race Distance
    308.883km
  • Laps
    57

Everything You Need To Know: Qatar

Fresh from our incredible one-two finish in Las Vegas, it’s now time for another race week in Qatar. The Lusail International Circuit hosted its first Formula 1 race back in 2021, and made a comeback on the calendar last season. Despite it previously being home to mainly motorcycle racing, it has fully embraced F1 and signed a 10-year contract with the championship from 2023.

We return to the Sprint format schedule this weekend, with this being the sixth and final Sprint of the season. Lewis and George will have one practice session on Friday, before they prepare for the Sprint Qualifying session from 20:30 local time (17:30 GMT). As this is another night race, all sessions will be taking place under the Lusail floodlights, with lights out for the race being on Sunday at 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT).

Lewis was the very first winner here in 2021, after demonstrating a truly awesome performance. He qualified on pole by almost half a second to those behind, and delivered a dreamy result in the desert the day after to win by 25.743s. George also started from the front-row in Qatar last year, and managed an impressive recovery drive after a first lap incident to finish in fourth.

F1 Academy also returns this weekend for Round 6, and two more races in Qatar. Doriane Pin will be back behind the wheel of the Mercedes car – with the support of PREMA Racing – and she sits second in the Drivers’ standings.

Our first visit to Qatar resulted in a stunning first-place trophy thanks to Lewis, who put on a dominant display all weekend. The seven-time champion managed a brilliant lap to clinch pole position, going almost half a second quicker than his competition. He kept his cool during the night race too, and ended up winning by a huge margin of more than 25 seconds on the way to his 102nd career victory.

We returned to Qatar last season, with both George and Lewis recording top five results in the Sprint. They also qualified in second and third for the Grand Prix, but unfortunately a first-lap incident resulted in Lewis needing to retire. George, who started from the front-row, was also caught up in the contact and was forced to pit for repairs, but would go on to deliver a fantastic recovery drive to finish in fourth at the chequered flag.

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