Qatar GP

F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024 | Start times & schedule

In 2023, Formula 1 returned to the Losail International Circuit, hosting the Qatar Grand Prix. The F1 Qatar Grand Prix is also scheduled for 2024. The race starts at 4:00 PM GMT, which is 7:00 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.
 

When is the F1 Qatar Grand Prix on the 2024 calendar?

The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 29 November -1 December 2024, and is set to be the 23th race of the Formula 1 season. The first free practice session will take place on 29 November, followed by the sprint shoot-out at 17:00 GMT time.

Then on Saturday, November 30th, the sprint race is held at 13:00 GMT time. After this, the qualifying will be held on Saturday as well at 16:00 GMT time.
 

Start time of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix

The Qatar Grand Prix starts on Sunday 1 December 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.

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix

Verstappen continued his successful weekend at Losail, securing pole position and the second place in the sprint race to confirm his third world title. McLaren drivers completed the podium, concluding a prosperous weekend for the team. Rookie Oscar Piastri claimed second place after his Saturday victory, affirming his strength following a third-place finish in the previous race in Japan. Norris achieved his third consecutive podium, including a second place in Suzuka and Singapore.

Hamilton attempted to challenge Verstappen's position, but his chances were quickly thwarted after the start when he found himself in third place behind his teammate George Russell. An unfortunate collision between the two British drivers in the first corner led to Hamilton retiring prematurely. Russell, however, continued and gradually climbed to fourth place.

The race involved several pit stops due to tire issues, but Verstappen maintained a confident lead until the end. The pit stops were necessary due to concerns about excessive tire wear in the local conditions. Drivers were allowed a maximum of 18 laps on one set of tires, a crucial condition given the 57 laps of the race.

Verstappen also set the fastest lap, securing the victory, while his teammate Perez struggled with off-track issues and ultimately finished ninth, significantly below his recent performances.