Where is it?
The Qatar Grand Prix takes place in Qatar, which is on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsular, and shares a single land border with Saudi Arabia. Like many states in the region, Qatar are rapidly in the 1990’s and 2000’s thanks to the oil and natural gas boom. It was the first middle eastern country to host the football world cup, and there has been a Grand Prix there since 2021.
The F1 circuit, which is called the Lusail circuit is in Doha, the capital, and is about 40 KM from the airport. Qatar Airways offers direct flights from many international destinations to Doha, and is renowned for the quality of it’s service.
What’s the circuit like?
The Lusail circuit, where the Qatar Grand Prix takes place, is 5.4KM long, with a main straight that’s more than 1KM long. The cars reach well over 300 KMH on the main straight. The rest of the circuit is a really good mixture of fast, flowing corners with two 90 degree corners.
Set up is a challenge, as there’s always a compromise between that long, long straight and the twistier sections. The track causes high tyre degradation, which can lead to multiple pit stops. Wind is often a factor.
What sort of race can we expect?
The Qatar Grand Prix has a Sprint, as well as the main race this year, which can lead to some set up issues for teams, so there can be some surprises.
Very high tyre wear means lots of pit stops, which can provide great opportunities for under or over cutting other cars, which again, tends to make for an exciting race.
in 2023, McLaren achieved a 1-2 in the sprint, with rookie Oscar Piastri winning, and the McLaren finished 2nd and 3rd in the main race, with Max Verstappen taking the win.
Why go to this one?
The location, as with so many middle eastern races, is epic, you know the weather will be great, so perhaps combine it with a holiday, and above all, the circuit is interesting, challenging, and in previous years, has been very exciting.
You’ll also benefit from enjoying a sprint weekend, so effectively two qualifying sessions and two races!
Where’s the best place to watch?
The stock answer would be the main grandstand, because you’ll enjoy seeing the start, the finish, the action in the pits and more. But the problem is that during the race, the cars are flying though that section, and it can be hard to work out what’s going on.
Consider saving some money and heading to the grandstands at turns 2 and 3, which is a much slower part of the track, and also have a look at the one at turn 16, where you can enjoy some heavy braking, and then flat out acceleration into the main straight.
When is it this year?
It will be the 23rd of 24 races this season, with the Grand Prix taking place on 1st December.
Qatar Grand Prix Travel Offers
4 night offer from £899pp (published 04/01/24 JT)
- Departing Birmingham with Qatar Airways
- 4 nights at 4* Embassy Suites by Hilton Doha Old Town, studio including breakfast
- Return private airport transfers
- T16 Grandstand 3 day ticket
- Based on 2 adults sharing
4 night offer from £1299pp (published 04/01/24 JT)
- Departing Manchester with Qatar Airways
- 4 nights 5* Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, deluxe room including breakfast
- Private airport transfers
- North Grandstand 3 day ticket
- Based on 2 adults sharing
4 night Paddock Club offer from £8319pp (published 04/01/24 JT)
- Departing London Heathrow with Qatar Airways
- 4 nights 5* The St. Regis Doha, grand deluxe room including breakfast
- Private airport transfers
- Paddock Club 3 day ticket (pit lane viewing, gourmet hospitality & pit lane walk)
- Based on 2 adults sharing
5 night offer from £1299pp (published 19/02/24 PR)
- Departing Heathrow, Manchester or Edinburgh
- 5 nights at 5* Le Meridien Doha City Centre, bed & breakfast
- Return airport transfers included
- 3 day Turn 16 F1 tickets included
- Based on 2 adults sharing
Two race offer combine Qatar with Abu Dhabi from £2649pp (published 22/02/24 PR)
- Depart UK Qatar Airways 28 Nov 2024
- Return airport transfers
- 5 nights at 5* Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay, deluxe room, B&B
- 3-day Turn 16 F1 tickets (upgrades available)
- 5 nights at 5* Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, sea view room, B&B
- 3-day North Grandstand F1 tickets (upgrades available)
- Depart London Heathrow from £2649pp
- Depart Manchester from £2779pp
- Based on 2 adults travelling
- Deposit from £562pp
4 nights offer from £999pp (published JT 22/03/24)
- Depart 28 November 2024
- Return flights from Heathrow to Doha with Qatar Airways
- 4 nights at 4* Best Western Plus Doha, bed & breakfast
- 3-day F1 T16 Grandstand Ticket
- Based on 2 adults travelling
Let’s book it!
We can arrange your travel arrangements to the Qatar Grand Prix including flights, hotels, transfers and F1 tickets.
Get in touch with us by calling free on 0800 810 8404 or completing the form below:
