Qatar GP

F1 Qatar GP 2026 | Date, Schedule & Start Time

In 2023, Formula 1 returned to the Losail International Circuit, hosting the Qatar Grand Prix. The F1 Qatar Grand Prix is also scheduled for 2026. The race starts at 16:00 PM GMT, which is 19:00 PM locally. This means that a part of the race will be held under artificial lighting.

The Losail International Circuit is a permanent track just outside the town of Lusail, opened in 2004. The circuit is renowned for hosting MotoGP races, and touring cars also frequently compete there.

With a length of 5.380 kilometers, the track features a long straight. Additionally, it includes a mix of mainly medium-speed corners, interspersed with some slower turns. Turn 1, at the end of the straight, appears to be the prime overtaking opportunity for F1 drivers.

The 2021 Qatar Grand Prix

Qatar's debut appearance on the Formula 1 schedule came as the 2021 title battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen continued to heat up in the final stages of the season.

Hamilton took pole position, whilst Verstappen qualified second but was pushed down to seventh after being handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow for double yellow flags. Valtteri Bottas was also handed a three-place penalty for not respecting a yellow flag.

It was a good start from Hamilton, who was able to build up a lead. Bottas was forced into his first pit-stop on Lap 33 when he appeared to suffer a puncture, and there were also tyres issues later in the race for the Williams duo of George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.

Fernando Alonso found himself running in third in the latter stages of the event, and Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon tried to help the Spaniard maintain his position by putting in some defensive driving in fifth.

Up ahead, Hamilton took a debut F1 win in Qatar, with Verstappen in second, whilst Alonso hung on to claim his first podium since 2014.

When is the F1 Qatar Grand Prix on the 2026 calendar?

The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 27 - 29 November 2026, and is set to be the 23rd race of the F1 season. The first two free practice sessions will take place on 27 November.

Then, qualifying will be held on Saturday at 18:00 GMT time.

Start time of the F1 2026 Qatar Grand Prix

The Qatar Grand Prix starts on Sunday 29 November at 16:00 GMT time. The race can be followed live on RacingNews365's blog.

History of the F1 Qatar Grand Prix

Formula 1 travelled to Qatar for the first time for Round 20 of the 2021 World Championship. The race was held at the Losail International Circuit on 21 November, two weeks prior to the sport's debut trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Losail International Circuit is a permanent venue located just outside of Lusail, north of Doha. Opened in 2004, the circuit is known for its MotoGP races, though touring cars have raced there as well.

Coming in at 5.380 kilometres in length, the circuit features a long start/finish straight, as well as a mixture of medium and high-speed corners. There are also overtaking opportunities going into Turn 1.

Whilst the race was absent from the F1 calendar in 2022, it will return in 2023, with Qatar having signed a 10-year deal to host the sport from them onwards. The future venue for the event has yet to be confirmed.