Reasons You Should Be Excited For the 2023 Qatar GP

This weekend sees Formula 1 return to Qatar once again and we think there's many reasons why you should be excited for racing at the Lusail International Circuit!

Desert Delight in 2021  

Back in 2021, Formula One added a new chapter to its history by racing in Qatar for the first time. The race in Lusail played an exciting part in the intense World Championship battle that season. It was also the race where Lewis Hamilton debuted his now-popular helmet featuring a rainbow-stripe design.

We left Lusail that weekend as the winners of the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, as Lewis claimed career win number 102. His victory came a week after his stunning victory in Brasil, and one week before his 103rd win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. 

Fast & Flowing

“This track is amazing to drive, all medium and high-speed corners,” said Lewis after qualifying in Lusail two years ago. The flat, 16-turn layout proved a hit with drivers in 2021 and 2023 looks set to be no different. The 5.4km configuration has played to a range of other motor racing series, including Moto GP.

Data from 2021 will prove crucial in our preparation for 2023 and we are looking forward to getting back on track at this exciting circuit.

New for Qatar in 2023 is the introduction of a Sprint race weekend, giving you even more reasons to watch every session of this weekend's action.

Sprint After Sunset

Talking of Sprints, Qatar is set to play host to the tenth F1 Sprint this year, but unlike the previous Sprints, this will be the first to be held at night. As with Baku, Austria and Spa already in 2023, Saturday will be entirely dedicated to the shortened format. Sprint Shootout qualifying will take place in the afternoon and will be followed by the F1 Sprint in the evening.

A clean slate on Saturday morning allows the Team to reset and bounce back from any potential problems on Friday, as George Russell proved in Baku.

Every point is important with six races to go, and Qatar offers us the chance to make the most of both Saturday and Sunday in our battle to strengthen our position in both world championship tables.

F1 Sprint Explained

A New Paddock Look

While the track layout has not changed since 2021, the asphalt has been resurfaced ahead of this weekend's race. Extensive work has also been conducted around the track to improve the experience for teams and fans alike.

The pit garages and paddock, originally built to serve Moto GP events, have been redesigned and expanded. Access to the venue has also been bolstered with the construction of more tunnels into the track and improved spectator facilities.

Another Night Race in the Desert

F1 night races are cool. F1 night races in the desert are even cooler. While temperatures in Qatar are set to reach 40 degrees Celsius during the day, we will be racing around Lusail after sunset this weekend. And as if one race were not enough, there will be the first night time F1 Sprint to enjoy as well.

There are six rounds still to go in 2023 and with plenty of points still available, the battles up and down the grid will continue. We're currently P2 and 20 points ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship and you can be sure we'll keep bringing the fight to every race.

Make sure to visit our Qatar race page to get information about the race start time, circuit info and full weekend schedule for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

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