The Lusail International Circuit has provided some spectacular racing moments, and in 2023 it proved to be the most physically demanding track on the Formula 1 calendar.
Circuit Stats
| Track Length | 5.419 km |
| Number of Laps | 57 |
| Race Lap Record | 1:24.319 (Max Verstappen – 2023) |
| Qualifying Lap Record | 1:20.827 (Lewis Hamilton – 2021) |
| First Grand Prix | 2021 |
| First Race Winner | Lewis Hamilton |
| 2023 Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
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Circuit History
The Lusail International Circuit (also known as the Losail International Circuit) is a 5.419 km (3.367 mile) race track located north of Doha, Qatar. The circuit opened in 2004, cost $58 million to build and was constructed in just one year by a crew of 1,000 workers.
Due to the desert landscape in Qatar, the circuit is surrounded by artificial grass in a bid to prevent sand from blowing onto the track. It opened its doors for the first time in 2004, hosting Qatar’s first-ever MotoGP race. In 2007, a permanent outdoor lighting system was added in order to facilitate night races. One year later, the first night race in MotoGP history was held at the circuit. Subsequent years saw the likes of the GP2 Asia Series, World SBK and the WTCC also racing in Lusail.
In 2021, the inaugural Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix was held at the Lusail International Circuit. The circuit was designed primarily for motorcycle races, with a 1.068 km (0.66 mile) straight and fast flowing corners. However, the layout of the track means that there are plenty of overtaking opportunities for Formula 1 drivers.
In 2023, the Lusail International Circuit reached an agreement with Formula 1 to extend their contract. The agreement secured the Qatar Grand Prix for 10 years, with the circuit set to host Formula 1 until 2033.
2022’s Absence
After a successful debut in 2021, Qatar was absent from the 2022 race calendar. Due to a scheduling conflict with another large-scale sporting event (the 2022 FIFA World Cup), the country had to focus their efforts outside of Formula 1.
A deal had been struck, however, for Qatar to return to the race calendar in 2023. During the year-long hiatus, the circuit underwent a massive renovation. The work was carried out in order to make it more suitable for hosting Formula 1 races.
Enhancements were made to the paddock facilities, including the media centre and medical centre. New debris fencing was added to over 2.5 km of the track. This provided unobstructed views for spectators whilst adhering to the FIA Grade 1 safety standards. Parking facilities were expanded, and grandstand space was increased to a capacity of 52,000 spectators. There were also upgrades to lighting panels and marshals posts.
The huge project showed commitment to both the FIA’s and the FIM’s standards. It also ensured that the circuit could continue to host Formula 1 and MotoGP races.
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The Heat Is On
On 8th October 2023, the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix was back. However, it brought with it a new problem – overwhelming heat and oppressive humidity.
The triumphant return was overshadowed by concerns for driver welfare. Even though the race took place at night, temperatures inside the cockpit still managed to reach almost 50℃ (122℉). The impact was so great, that several drivers showed concerning signs both during and after the race.
Logan Sargeant, driving for Williams at the time, was forced to retire from the race early due to extreme dehydration. Esteban Ocon described driving conditions as “hell”, admitting that he threw up multiple times inside his helmet. Lance Stroll was seen struggling to get out of his Aston Martin after the race. Alex Albon was also transported to the medical centre. It’s not often that all of the drivers on the grid will agree with one another, but in 2023 they all shared the same sentiments about the Qatar Grand Prix – it was the toughest race they have ever experienced.
Improvements for 2024
The 2024 Grand Prix is set to be a much cooler affair. The later date on the calendar should avoid much of the extreme temperatures faced in 2023. There have also been some physical improvements to the circuit following feedback from last year’s chaotic Grand Prix.
The largest impact (aside from the heat) seemed to be the wear on tyres. The kerbs were sharp in places, and the impacts played havoc with tyres. Safety concerns were so great, that Pirelli set a maximum number of laps that could be completed on one set of tyres. That maximum was just 18 laps – not the kind of number that team strategists generally like to hear.
A number of the kerbs around the track have been altered ahead of the 2024 Grand Prix in order to try and lessen the impact they have with tyres. Several corners have seen the addition of two-meter wide gravel strips behind the kerbs. The adjustments should result in less problems for the drivers when it comes to the vibrations experienced whilst running over the kerbs. It should also see improvements to the life of the tyres. This could be a key factor when it comes to the teams’ strategies during the race.
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Iconic Moment
There are two golden rules in Formula 1. Number one – don’t crash into your teammate. Number two – when it comes to corners, three into one does not go. At the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton got a harsh reminder of these golden rules.
It was “lights out and away they go”, with both Hamilton and Russell getting good reaction times off the grid. Max Verstappen found himself under pressure as the Mercedes duo lined up beside him going into the first corner. Russell suddenly found himself squeezed between the Red Bull and the sister Mercedes. As Hamilton turned in, he tangled with his teammate and both cars were sent spinning.
Russell managed to get back onto the track and made a stellar recovery to finish the race in fourth place. But for Lewis Hamilton, the collision meant game over. He spun into the gravel, with his right rear tyre bouncing off along the fenceline.
It was a sore moment for Mercedes. The incident had snatched away what had realistically been their only chance of a potential victory all season. Naturally, the initial reaction from the drivers was to blame each other. In a post-race interview, Hamilton described the incident as “Obviously gutting. Massive apologies to everyone back at the factory.” He also went on to add “I think it was probably just a racing incident. I take full responsibility for it. I don’t think George had anywhere to go.”
What’s your iconic Qatar Grand Prix moment? Let us know in the comments!
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