Grand Prix

Qatar Grand Prix


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Qatar Grand Prix

The Qatar Grand Prix is one of the newer races added to the Formula 1 Calendar. The 2021 Grand Prix is the only race we’ve had around the Losail International Circuit, with the motorcycle circuit throwing up a superb race in its debut. Lewis Hamilton was victorious in 2021, as he was able to convert his pole position into a race victory. The race is one of the few night races, as Losail added outdoor lighting in 2007, allowing F1 to compete under the Sunday night lights.

F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023

The FIFA Football World Cup in Qatar meant that the 2022 event was missed. But racing returns to Qatar in early October for the second running of the Grand Prix. It’s tough to gauge how the teams will set up for the night race, with little data available to them, but Max Verstappen looked for revenge over Hamilton, who was victorious ahead of the Dutchman in 2021.

Verstappen achieved that and some. The Dutchman secured his third World Championship during the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. 

Who won the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix?

Newly-crowned three-time world champion Max Verstappen took his 14th race win of the 2023 season with a dominant performance at the Qatar Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton crashed out in lap one after colliding with his teammate George Russell, sending Russell to the back of the field after the first lap.

In a race where it was mandatory to stay on the same tyres for no longer than 18 laps, there were many overtakes throughout the race, but Verstappen led from the front with ease. The Dutchman finished ahead of both McLarens in second and third, with Oscar Piastri backing up his Sprint race victory with a superb second place from sixth on the grid, and Lando Norris rounded off the podium in third place, once again highlighting the pace of the Papaya coloured car.

Russell recovered from the first corner crash with his teammate to take fourth place, with Charles Leclerc taking fifth place. Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Sergio Perez rounded out the top ten. 

Where is the Qatar Grand Prix held?

The Qatar Grand Prix is held at Losail International Circuit, located near Lusail, the second-largest city in the country. It is located in the east coast of Qatar, near the Persian Gulf sea. The circuit has been open for 18 years and is visited by F1 and MotoGP. The location means fans from Western Asia can visit, along with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

Qatar GP history

The history for the Qatar Grand Prix is still yet to be written, and it’s Hamilton that currently leads the way in the lead for both pole position and victories at the Losail International Circuit. This of course means that Mercedes are the most successful team, but it is the prime chance for any other Constructors’ and drivers to try and etch their name into history in Western Asia.

What time does the Qatar F1 Grand Prix 2023 start?

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix starts on Sunday, 8 October at 20:00 local time (18:00 BST). However, the rest of the weekend is different compared to normal because F1 are bringing their sprint version to Qatar. Therefore, there is only one 60-minute practice session on Friday, 6 October at 16:30 local time (14:30 BST). Qualifying will then take place on Friday afternoon at 20:00 local time (18:00 BST). This will form the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Sprint Shootout will take place at 16:00 local time (14:00 BST) on Saturday, with a 100 km Sprint Race on Saturday afternoon at 20:30 local time (18:30 BST).