Qatar Grand Prix 2026
The Lusail International Circuit under floodlights, a fast and flowing track in the Qatari desert that delivers high-speed thrills and intense wheel-to-wheel racing in the season's closing stages.
Race Information
Lusail International Circuit
Lusail, Qatar
57
5.419 km
2021
Max Verstappen (1:24.319, 2023)
About Lusail International Circuit
The Lusail International Circuit is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Doha, Qatar's capital city. Originally built in 2004 for motorcycle racing and the MotoGP World Championship, the circuit was extensively upgraded and reprofiled to meet FIA Grade 1 standards ahead of F1's arrival in 2021. The track has since undergone further modifications, with a permanent paddock facility and state-of-the-art floodlighting system that allows racing under lights in the desert evening.
The circuit layout is characterised by long, flowing medium and high-speed corners that reward aerodynamic downforce and driver confidence. The lap features 16 turns across 5.419 kilometres, with several extended flat-out sections where cars operate close to their maximum downforce capability. The high-speed nature of the circuit places exceptional loads on tyres, with the sustained lateral forces through the sweeping corners causing significant degradation and raising concerns about tyre integrity that have been a talking point since the race's debut.
Qatar's position on the calendar towards the end of the season means the race often takes place with championship battles reaching their climax. The 2021 inaugural race saw Lewis Hamilton win during his intense title fight with Max Verstappen, while the 2023 edition saw Verstappen claim his third World Championship at the circuit. The floodlit desert setting creates a dramatic visual spectacle, and the proximity to Doha's modern skyline and world-class hospitality infrastructure makes it an attractive destination for teams and fans travelling to the penultimate rounds of the season.
How to Watch the Qatar Grand Prix
In the UK, the Qatar Grand Prix is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming via Sky Go and NOW TV. The three-hour time difference means the race typically starts in the early evening UK time.
Channel 4 shows extended highlights. Visit our TV schedule page for session times.
International viewers can watch via F1 TV Pro, beIN Sports (Middle East), ESPN (USA), and other regional broadcasters.
Previous Winners
| Year | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 2021 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |