The addition of the Qatar Grand Prix to the Formula One calendar will provide the sport with a very important financial boost. The Losail International Circuit has officially confirmed signing a ten-year deal with Formula 1, a contract which will be available from 2023 and does not actually include the upcoming Grand Prix next month.
As a result, this means that this year there will be two Grands Prix in the Middle East, but not everyone is happy about that, with fans and media expressing criticism and disapproval
In Bahrain in 2015 Bernie Ecclestone was still critical of the suggestion of a race in Qatar: “I think we have enough races here”, was his statement.
Liberty Media wants to keep expanding the calendar
In the meantime, however, Bernie Ecclestone is no longer in control, and Liberty Media wants to continue to expand the calendar. They also welcome the financial injection that races in the Middle East bring, especially after the disappointing figures caused by the coronavirus.
The owners also want to reach new audiences, as former CEO Chase Carey explained when Saudi Arabia was added to the calendar. “The region is extremely important to us, and 70 percent of Saudi Arabia is under the age of 30. We would like to reach new potential fans,” his statement read.
