Lusail International Circuit is a 5.419 km (3.367 miles) floodlit circuit north of Doha, with 16 corners across a 57-lap race distance of 308.611 km. Originally built for MotoGP in 2004, the circuit was upgraded to host Formula 1 in 2021. The race starts in early evening, creating a twilight-to-night transition as the floodlights take over. Max Verstappen holds the lap record at 1:24.319, set in 2023.
The layout is fast and relentless, with several corners taken at high speed and minimal run-off. The long straight into Turn 1 provides the primary overtaking opportunity with a DRS zone, while the rest of the lap demands precision through fast, connected corners. The middle sector puts sustained lateral G-forces on drivers, testing physical fitness severely. A second DRS zone before the Turn 12 complex creates an additional passing point. The 2023 race raised concerns about physical endurance, with multiple drivers reporting extreme discomfort.
On 21 November 2021, Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, part of his intense championship battle with Max Verstappen. On 8 October 2023, Verstappen dominated with a lights-to-flag victory. On 1 December 2024, the sprint format added a second competitive session. Qatar’s investment in motorsport is part of a broader strategy to establish the country as a global sporting destination, alongside the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games.
The timezone is Asia/Qatar at AST (UTC+3). A 17:00 local start is 14:00 GMT and 09:00 EST. European fans get an afternoon race, and the timing works well for the UK and central European markets. North American east coast viewers get a morning start, while west coast fans face a 06:00 PST wake-up. Asian fans can watch comfortably in the evening. Check Qatar time and Doha time for conversions.
Late November in Qatar is one of the cooler periods, with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius in the evening. The desert air is dry, and rain is extremely rare. Sand blown onto the circuit from the surrounding desert can reduce grip during Friday practice sessions. The facilities at Lusail reflect Qatar’s ambition, with modern infrastructure and well-maintained paddock areas. Doha, just 25 km south, offers hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions for visitors.
See the full race schedule and session times at the Qatar Grand Prix page.