F1 statistics: facts and figures for 2023 F1 Qatar GP | Losail F1 records and data. Losail F1 records and data.

The Losail International Circuit is a renowned motorsport venue located in the desert landscape of the Losail region, just north of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. This state-of-the-art circuit is primarily known for hosting MotoGP events, as well as other motorsport championships. A few years ago it was considered for hosting a potential Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the only edition taking place in 2021.

Origins

Originally scheduled for 23 races, the 2021 Formula One season encountered disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Grand Prix, slated as the opening round, faced postponement and eventual cancellation due to the country’s COVID-19 restrictions.

The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix occurred late in the championship, resulting in an empty slot in the calendar. To fill this gap, the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was introduced and announced as its replacement in October 2021.

2021 Event

The maiden edition of the Qatar Grand Prix was held on November 21, substituting for the cancelled Australian Grand Prix. The race saw Lewis Hamilton emerge victorious for Mercedes, securing the top spot on the podium, followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso for Alpine-Renault.

2023 Event

After a year’s hiatus in 2022, due to Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup between November and December, the Qatar Grand Prix is set to return on the Formula One calendar with a ten-year contract starting from 2023. Initially, there were plans for a new purpose-built circuit for the 2023 race, but ultimately, it was decided to retain the event at Lusail Circuit.