The F1 season is ending, and we are here at the final destination of the triple header series for the 2024 season—the teams and drivers move to the Lusail International Circuit for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. As the teams head up for the last triple header of the season, the track covered with desert odyssey is ready to carve its niche for the final time. Here’s everything you need to know about the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, including its history, stats, and records.
Qatar Grand Prix History
The Qatar Grand Prix is one of the new and finest F1 race circuits that made its place on the F1 calendar for the first time in 2021. The track is located outside the prestigious city of Lusail in Doha. The Qatar Grand Prix is not new in the motor racing realm. Despite not hosting any F1 races previously, the track hosted other racing events, like the Dubai Auto Expo and Moto GP. In 2021, the pandemic stubborn the world and restricted travel and tourism. For which the Australian Grand Prix was canceled for the 2021 season.
The FIA and the F1 officials decided to find a replacement for the Australian GP, and the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix hosted its first-ever F1 races in 2021. The Lusail International circuit became the 20th racing F1 circuit on the 2021 calendar. The track first hosted Qatar Motorcycle Racing in 2007, and after becoming a commercial hit, the track hosted its first-ever night race for the MotoGP in 2008. The relationship between Qatar and MotoGP still heads up to grow for the 2024 season. With its notable configuration with motorsport, Qatar also hosted the 20th F1 race for the first time in 2021.
The 2022 season was canceled because the country hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But it marked its return to the 2023 F1 calendar. The Sprint Race made its debut at the Lusail International Circuit during the 2023 season. The 2024 season was pivotal for the Lusail Circuit in growth, with the FIA WEC hosting for the first time in this desert odyssey, as well as marking the testing milestone before the season began.
Qatar Grand Prix Statstics: Lusail International Circuit
The Lusail International Circuit is situated in the heart of the Lusail city, Doha, in Qatar. The track first joined the calendar for the FIA F1 World Championship in the 2021 season. The circuit is magnificent in its various aspects, and no team has ever awarded a 1-2 finish at the podiums on this track. However, Max Verstappen is the only driver to score two podium finishes at the Qatar Grand Prix. In contrast, Red Bull and McLaren finished on the same podium in both the 2021 and 2023 races. Let us look at the stats of the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
Circuit Name | Lusail International Circuit |
Circuit Length | 5.419 KM |
Race Distance | 308.611 KM |
No. Of Laps | 57 |
First Grand Prix | 2008 (Moto GP)/ 2021 (F1 Race) |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 (F1 Race) |
No. of Turns | 16 |
DRS Activation Zones | 1 |
The track is coveted with deserted areas so the atmospheric temperature would be high but at night, the condition would not be so severe This would make drivers keep phishing themselves ahead of the kerbs to attain possible overtakes. There’s a reason and benefit to racing at night because it will help tires to run more when compared with the afternoon running temperature and scraping heat. The total length of the track is about 5.419 kilometers with 16 turns on the track and corporated with the FIA Grade 1 certificate.
Qatar GP Track Record
The Qatar Grand Prix is one of the most sophisticated races on the F1 calendar. Being a newcomer it resembles most of the street circuits in Formula 1. The track also has a state-of-the-art nightlight system, which inaugurated the night race with full joy and excitement with over 3,600 lights. Now let us take a look at some honorable records made at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Most Grand Prix Wins: Both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton won the different editions of the Qatar Grand Prix. Two races have been held till now, and both are won by different racers by single time. Lewis won the first race in 2021, whereas Max Verstappen won it in 2023.
Most Podium Finishes: Max Verstappen (2)
Most Pole Position: Max Verstappen (1), Lewis Hamiton (1)
Fastest Lap Record: 1:24.319 seconds (Max Verstappen, 2023)
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