Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail: Circuit Guide, History and Records

The Qatar Grand Prix returns to the Lusail International Circuit from Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November 2026. The floodlit race is the penultimate event of the season and one of Formula 1’s most physically and technically demanding high-speed challenges.

Lusail contains 16 predominantly medium- and high-speed corners, with drivers spending much of the lap under sustained lateral load. The circuit’s flowing character places considerable energy through the tyres while rewarding aerodynamic stability, accurate steering response and confidence at high speed.

The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled as Round 22 of the revised Formula 1 World Championship calendar. Unlike the previous three editions, the event will not feature a Sprint. Teams will have three practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday night and the 57-lap Grand Prix on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton is a previous Qatar Grand Prix winner, having claimed victory during Formula 1’s first visit to Lusail in 2021. Charles Leclerc delivered Ferrari’s best result at the circuit when he finished second in 2024.

Follow the latest Ferrari news, technical analysis and results from the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix.

2026 Qatar Grand Prix at a glance

2026 Qatar Grand Prix schedule

The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix returns to the traditional Formula 1 format. Two practice sessions take place on Friday, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday evening.

All sessions are shown in local Qatar time and remain subject to timetable changes by Formula 1, the FIA or the event organiser.

You can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 schedule and race results, the latest Formula 1 driver standings and the current constructor standings.

Why the 2026 Qatar GP is no longer a Sprint weekend

Qatar hosted a Formula 1 Sprint during each edition from 2023 to 2025, but Lusail was not selected as one of the six Sprint venues for 2026.

The change gives teams three practice sessions instead of only one. That additional running will be particularly valuable at a circuit where tyre loads, ride height, wind direction, track limits and aerodynamic balance can significantly affect performance. Drivers will also have more time to build confidence through Lusail’s fast sequences. Several corners are linked together, meaning an inaccurate line at the beginning of a section can create time loss across multiple turns.

The return to a conventional weekend allows teams to complete longer race simulations on Friday, compare tyre compounds and assess how the 2026 cars behave under sustained high-speed loading.

It also removes the additional competitive risk created by the Sprint, which had previously forced teams to commit to their setup after only one practice session.

What happened at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen won the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix for Red Bull after benefiting from a decisive strategy call during an early Safety Car period. Oscar Piastri finished second for McLaren, while Carlos Sainz secured third place for Williams.

Piastri had started from pole position and maintained the lead at the beginning of the race. Verstappen passed Lando Norris for second at Turn 1 before a collision involving Nico Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly triggered the Safety Car on lap seven. Most of the field entered the pits immediately. McLaren kept both Piastri and Norris on track, leaving the two drivers committed to later stops under the 25-lap maximum tyre-stint rule applied during the weekend.

Verstappen had already completed one of his required stops and inherited the decisive strategic advantage. He moved into the lead when the McLaren drivers stopped and controlled the remainder of the race.

Ferrari endured one of its most difficult weekends of the season. Charles Leclerc qualified tenth and finished eighth, while Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1, started 18th and crossed the line in 12th.

The Scuderia also failed to score during the Sprint. Leclerc finished 13th and Hamilton 17th after both drivers struggled with the car’s balance and high-speed performance.

2025 Qatar Grand Prix qualifying

2025 Qatar Grand Prix result

2025 Qatar Sprint result

Qatar Grand Prix winners

The Qatar Grand Prix was not held in 2022. The event returned in 2023 under a new long-term hosting agreement.

Lusail International Circuit information

What makes the Lusail circuit unique?

Lusail was designed primarily for motorcycle racing and hosted its first MotoGP event in 2004. Its broad corners, large run-off areas and flowing geometry reflect that original purpose.

Unlike circuits dominated by slow corners and heavy braking, Lusail allows Formula 1 cars to maintain substantial speed through much of the lap. Medium- and high-speed corners follow one another with few opportunities for the driver to relax.

The layout places sustained energy through the tyres, particularly the front-left tyre through the numerous right-hand corners. Drivers must control sliding because even a small loss of grip can generate considerable surface temperature. The circuit is relatively flat, but its fast sequences make accurate car placement essential. Drivers need a predictable aerodynamic platform that remains stable during long periods of lateral load.

The main straight measures more than one kilometre and provides the circuit’s clearest overtaking opportunity. Cars use the slipstream before braking heavily for Turn 1.

Outside the main straight, passing can be difficult because several corners are taken at high speed and offer only one effective racing line. A following car may lose front grip in the turbulent air produced by the car ahead.

The floodlit night setting gives the circuit a distinctive appearance. Qualifying and the race take place under artificial lighting, while the surrounding desert can introduce wind and fine sand onto the asphalt.

A lap of the Lusail Formula 1 circuit

Main straight and Turn 1

The lap begins on Lusail’s long start-finish straight. Drivers accelerate for more than one kilometre before reaching the heavy braking zone for Turn 1.

The distance from pole position to the braking point is approximately 374 metres, giving drivers behind the front row an opportunity to use the slipstream during the opening lap.

Turn 1 is a medium-speed right-hander and the circuit’s principal overtaking location. Drivers can attempt a move on the inside, although running too deep compromises the approach to Turn 2.

A clean exit is important because the circuit immediately begins its sequence of linked corners.

Turns 2 and 3

Turn 2 changes direction and places immediate demand on the front tyres. Drivers must reposition the car quickly after the opening corner while preserving momentum.

Turn 3 increases the speed and begins the transition into the circuit’s flowing middle section. The car needs a responsive front end without becoming unstable at the rear.

Any mistake at Turn 2 affects the line through Turn 3 and can produce cumulative time loss.

Turns 4 and 5

Turns 4 and 5 form a closely connected sequence requiring accurate steering and controlled use of the kerbs.

The corners place the car under sustained load and can expose understeer. A driver who misses the first apex may be forced away from the ideal line for the second corner.

The kerbs have previously been an important consideration at Lusail. Drivers must attack sufficiently to maximise lap time while avoiding excessive tyre and floor stress.

Turns 6 and 7

Turn 6 is one of the slower corners on the circuit and provides a brief change from the high-speed rhythm. Drivers need good mechanical grip to rotate the car and accelerate cleanly.

Turn 7 follows shortly afterwards and begins another faster sequence. Rear-wheel slip from the slower corner can increase tyre temperatures and reduce performance later in the lap.

Turns 8 and 9

The circuit accelerates again through Turns 8 and 9. Drivers need confidence in the aerodynamic balance as speed increases and the available reaction time decreases. Following another car becomes difficult because front downforce is reduced through the quick changes of direction.

A stable rear axle is equally important. Oversteer forces the driver to lift the throttle and creates significant time loss through the connected section.

Turns 10 and 11

Turn 10 requires drivers to slow the car before preparing for the final high-speed portion of the lap.

The exit determines how effectively the car approaches Turn 11 and the demanding sequence that follows. Drivers need to apply the throttle progressively without creating unnecessary wheelspin.

Turns 12, 13 and 14

Turns 12, 13 and 14 form Lusail’s defining triple-apex right-hand sequence. Formula 1 cars remain under substantial lateral load as the driver moves from one apex to the next. The section has been compared with Istanbul Park’s famous Turn 8, although Lusail’s sequence runs in the opposite direction and consists of distinct connected corners.

The front-left tyre experiences considerable stress because it carries much of the load throughout the sequence. Drivers need a stable car and precise steering inputs to avoid sliding away from the racing line.

Turbulent air can make following particularly difficult here. A driver who loses front grip at Turn 12 may remain compromised until the end of Turn 14.

Turn 15

Turn 15 continues the high-speed character and requires the driver to prepare the car for the final corner.

The correct line is important because a mistake can force the driver to reduce speed before Turn 16, damaging momentum onto the main straight.

Turn 16 and the run to the finish

Turn 16 is the final corner of the lap. Drivers brake from high speed and aim to carry momentum through the exit without running beyond the track boundary.

A clean exit determines speed along the entire main straight. During the race, a car that loses traction may become vulnerable to the slipstream and an attack into Turn 1.

The pit-lane entrance is also located near the final corner, requiring drivers making a stop to leave the racing line safely.

Lusail setup and technical demands

Lusail generally requires a medium-to-high-downforce aerodynamic configuration. Teams need substantial grip through the repeated high-speed corners while limiting drag along the long main straight.

Front-end response is one of the most important setup characteristics. Drivers must place the car accurately through linked corners, and understeer can create time loss across an entire sequence rather than at only one apex.

Rear stability is also essential. Sudden oversteer at high speed forces the driver to reduce throttle input and may overheat the rear tyres. The aerodynamic platform must remain consistent through long periods of lateral load. Changes in ride height or floor performance can make the car unpredictable as the forces build through the faster corners.

Suspension settings need to provide sufficient support without making the car excessively sensitive to kerbs. Running too stiff can reduce mechanical grip, while a softer setup may allow unwanted aerodynamic movement.

The long straight rewards efficient energy deployment and low drag, but outright straight-line speed is less valuable if the car cannot maintain momentum through the rest of the lap. Wind can significantly affect balance. A headwind or tailwind changes braking points and downforce, while crosswinds may make the car unstable during the fastest direction changes.

Fine desert sand can also reduce grip, particularly away from the racing line. The surface normally improves as more cars complete laps and deposit rubber.

Explore our Ferrari technical analysis archive for updates on the SF-26 wing configuration, floor performance, suspension, tyre behaviour and setup during the Qatar weekend.

Tyre loads and strategy at the Qatar Grand Prix

Tyres are one of the central performance and safety considerations at Lusail. The circuit contains relatively few slow corners, meaning the tyres spend long periods under continuous lateral load.

The front-left tyre is particularly important because many of the fastest corners turn right. Excessive sliding can rapidly increase its surface and internal temperatures. The high-speed character also means drivers may struggle to cool the tyres during the lap. Once temperatures rise beyond the optimal range, grip falls and further sliding can create a self-reinforcing problem.

Teams need to understand whether degradation is caused primarily by mechanical wear, thermal stress or damage from kerb interaction. Each issue may require a different strategic response. The long pit-lane time loss makes unnecessary stops expensive. However, tyre condition and safety requirements can make additional stops unavoidable.

An undercut may be powerful when fresh tyres reach their operating temperature quickly, but a driver leaving the pits may encounter traffic and lose front grip while following another car.

The overcut can work if the existing tyres remain stable and the driver has clear air. It becomes less effective when lap times deteriorate sharply because of thermal degradation.

No special tyre-stint restriction for the 2026 race has been announced at this stage. Any circuit-specific tyre limits or pressure requirements will be confirmed closer to the Grand Prix after Pirelli and the FIA evaluate the current cars, compounds and track conditions.

Why tyre safety has shaped recent Qatar Grands Prix

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix introduced an unusual maximum tyre life after Pirelli found signs of separation between the tyre sidewall’s topping compound and carcass cords. The issue was linked to repeated high-frequency contact between the tyre sidewalls and the circuit’s pyramid-shaped kerbs. The FIA and Pirelli imposed an 18-lap maximum total life for each set used during the Grand Prix.

As a result, drivers were effectively required to make at least three pit stops over the 57-lap race. The short stints allowed them to push harder, increasing the physical intensity of an already demanding event. Before the 2024 race, the tips of the kerbs were rounded at seven corners, including Turns 12, 13 and 14. Gravel strips were also added in selected areas to discourage drivers from exceeding track limits.

A maximum 25-lap tyre stint was introduced for the 2025 event on safety grounds. That restriction became central to the race strategy when the Safety Car appeared on lap seven.

Teams approaching the 2026 event will therefore monitor kerb use, tyre construction, pressures and stint length carefully. The lessons from 2023 and 2025 demonstrate how quickly tyre safety requirements can reshape the race.

Track limits at Lusail

Lusail’s broad asphalt run-off areas can tempt drivers to carry additional speed beyond the defined circuit boundary. Track limits are particularly relevant through the faster corners, where a wider line may allow a driver to maintain momentum and reduce steering input.

Exceeding the limits can result in deleted qualifying laps. Repeated offences during the Sprint or Grand Prix may produce time penalties. The issue has influenced several previous Qatar weekends, with drivers receiving penalties after accumulating multiple infringements.

Gravel strips and revised kerbs have been introduced to create a clearer physical consequence for leaving the track, but drivers must still remain accurate throughout qualifying and the race.

Because the corners are linked, avoiding a track-limits violation at one turn may compromise the next section. Drivers must therefore balance compliance against lap time rather than treating each corner separately.

Heat, G-forces and driver fitness

The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at night, but warm temperatures and humidity can still create difficult conditions inside the cockpit.

Drivers experience repeated lateral forces through the circuit’s fast corners. There are few long low-speed sections where they can relax their neck, arms or upper body.

The 2023 Grand Prix became one of the most physically demanding races in recent Formula 1 history. Several drivers required medical attention, reported illness or struggled with extreme heat during and after the race.

The FIA subsequently began reviewing procedures for competition in very high temperatures. Later regulations introduced the possibility of declaring a heat hazard when forecast conditions exceed a defined threshold.

The late-November scheduling used for the modern event normally produces cooler conditions than the early-October 2023 race, but the physical challenge remains significant because of Lusail’s sustained cornering loads.

Teams must also manage cooling for the power unit, brakes, battery systems and cockpit. Opening additional bodywork outlets improves temperature control but may reduce aerodynamic efficiency.

History of the Qatar Grand Prix

The Lusail International Circuit was completed in 2004 and originally developed primarily for motorcycle racing. The venue quickly became closely associated with MotoGP and established itself as one of the region’s principal motorsport facilities.

Formula 1 first visited Qatar in 2021. Lusail already held the required FIA Grade 1 licence, making it suitable for inclusion on the World Championship calendar.

Lewis Hamilton wins the inaugural race in 2021

Lewis Hamilton secured pole position and controlled the first Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix for Mercedes. Max Verstappen finished second after recovering from a grid penalty, while Fernando Alonso completed the podium for Alpine.

Alonso’s third place was his first Formula 1 podium since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Ferrari finished seventh and eighth with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, scoring ten points from the inaugural event.

Qatar begins its long-term agreement in 2023

The Qatar Grand Prix did not take place in 2022 but returned in 2023 under a new long-term agreement. The event also became a Sprint weekend, giving drivers only one practice session before competitive running began.

Max Verstappen secures his third title

Max Verstappen mathematically secured his third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship during the 2023 Qatar Sprint. Oscar Piastri won the Sprint for McLaren, but Verstappen’s second place provided enough points to end the championship contest.

Verstappen then started the main Grand Prix from pole position and won ahead of Piastri and Lando Norris.

The extreme 2023 Grand Prix

The 2023 race was shaped by extreme heat, sustained high-speed cornering and the mandatory maximum tyre life.

Drivers were able to push hard during the short tyre stints, making the physical demands even more severe. Several competitors described it as one of the toughest races of their careers.

The FIA opened an analysis into competing in extreme weather conditions following the weekend.

Charles Leclerc finishes second in 2024

Max Verstappen won the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix after passing George Russell at the start and navigating an event featuring multiple Safety Car periods and penalties.

Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari, only 6.031 seconds behind the Red Bull. Oscar Piastri completed the podium for McLaren.

Leclerc’s result remains Ferrari’s only Qatar Grand Prix podium and the Scuderia’s best finish at Lusail.

Strategy decides the 2025 race

Oscar Piastri completed a strong Saturday in 2025 by winning the Sprint and securing pole position for the Grand Prix.

However, McLaren’s decision not to pit during the early Safety Car period allowed Max Verstappen to gain the strategic advantage.

Verstappen claimed his third consecutive Qatar Grand Prix victory and kept the Drivers’ Championship battle alive until the Abu Dhabi finale.

Ferrari’s history at the Qatar Grand Prix

Ferrari has not yet won the Qatar Grand Prix or secured pole position at Lusail. Its best result is Charles Leclerc’s second place in 2024.

Ferrari scores with both cars in 2021

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished seventh and eighth during the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. The Scuderia focused on consolidating its championship position rather than challenging the leading Mercedes and Red Bull cars.

Charles Leclerc carries Ferrari in 2023

Charles Leclerc qualified fifth for the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix and finished in the same position. Carlos Sainz was unable to start the race after Ferrari discovered a fuel-system problem before the Grand Prix.

The combination of Leclerc’s fifth place and Sainz’s absence limited Ferrari’s points during an important stage of the Constructors’ Championship battle.

Leclerc delivers Ferrari’s first Lusail podium

Charles Leclerc produced Ferrari’s strongest Qatar performance in 2024. He avoided the incidents and penalties that affected several rivals and moved into second place, finishing behind Max Verstappen and ahead of Oscar Piastri.

Carlos Sainz finished sixth in the other Ferrari, giving the team a strong combined result.

Ferrari struggles throughout the 2025 weekend

The SF-25 lacked performance and stability through Lusail’s high-speed corners in 2025.

Charles Leclerc reached the final part of both qualifying sessions but finished outside the Sprint points before placing eighth in the Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in the first stage of Sprint Qualifying and Grand Prix qualifying. He recovered from 18th to 12th on Sunday but did not score.

Ferrari collected only four points from the entire weekend, all through Leclerc’s eighth-place finish.

Hamilton returns as a previous Qatar winner

Lewis Hamilton remains one of only two drivers to have won the Qatar Grand Prix before Max Verstappen’s run of victories.

His 2021 success came with Mercedes, but the experience gives him a proven record at a circuit where confidence and high-speed precision are particularly valuable.

Ferrari searches for its first Qatar victory

The 2026 event gives Ferrari another opportunity to challenge for its first win at Lusail.

Success will depend on producing a stable aerodynamic platform, protecting the tyres through the fastest corners and limiting the loss of front grip when following other cars.

Qatar Grand Prix records and statistics

• Lusail International Circuit completed: 2004.
• First Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix: 2021.
• First Qatar GP winner: Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes.
• Long-term agreement began: 2023.
• Current circuit length: 5.419 kilometres.
• Number of corners: 16.
• Race laps: 57.
• Race distance: 308.611 kilometres.
• Official race lap record: Lando Norris, 1:22.384 for McLaren in 2024.
• Fastest qualifying lap: Oscar Piastri, 1:19.387 for McLaren in 2025.
• Most Qatar Grand Prix victories: Max Verstappen, with three.
• Most Qatar Grand Prix pole positions: Max Verstappen, with two.
• Most successful constructor: Red Bull, with three victories.
• Qatar Sprint winner in 2023: Oscar Piastri.
• Qatar Sprint winner in 2024: Oscar Piastri.
• Qatar Sprint winner in 2025: Oscar Piastri.
• Ferrari victories: none.
• Ferrari pole positions: none.
• Ferrari podium finishes: one.
• Best Ferrari result: Charles Leclerc, second in 2024.
• Most recent winner: Max Verstappen in 2025.
• Last Qatar Sprint: 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the Qatar Grand Prix

When is the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix?

The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix will take place from Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November. The race is scheduled to start at 19:00 local Qatar time on Sunday.

Is the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?

No. Qatar returns to the standard Formula 1 format with three practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix after hosting Sprints from 2023 to 2025.

Where is the Qatar Grand Prix held?

The race takes place at the Lusail International Circuit, located north of Doha in Qatar.

How long is the Lusail International Circuit?

The Formula 1 circuit measures 5.419 kilometres. The Grand Prix covers 57 laps and a total race distance of 308.611 kilometres.

How many corners does Lusail have?

The circuit contains 16 corners and runs in a clockwise direction.

Why is Lusail so demanding on tyres?

The lap contains numerous medium- and high-speed corners that place sustained lateral energy through the tyres. The front-left tyre is particularly stressed through the circuit’s many right-hand turns.

What is the best overtaking opportunity?

The principal overtaking opportunity is the braking zone for Turn 1 after the main straight, which measures more than one kilometre.

Why are track limits important in Qatar?

The broad asphalt run-off allows drivers to carry speed beyond the defined circuit boundary. Exceeding the limits can lead to deleted qualifying laps or race penalties.

What happened with the tyres in 2023?

Pirelli found signs of separation within tyres exposed to repeated interaction with Lusail’s pyramid-shaped kerbs. An 18-lap maximum total life was imposed for each set during the Grand Prix.

Was there another tyre limit in 2025?

Yes. A 25-lap maximum stint was applied during the 2025 weekend on safety grounds. The limit played an important role in the race strategy.

Who has won the Qatar Grand Prix most often?

Max Verstappen holds the record with three consecutive victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Who won the first Qatar Grand Prix?

Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural event for Mercedes in 2021 after starting from pole position.

Has Ferrari won the Qatar Grand Prix?

No. Ferrari’s best result is Charles Leclerc’s second place in 2024.

Who holds the Lusail race lap record?

Lando Norris holds the official race lap record with a 1:22.384 set for McLaren during the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.

What is the fastest qualifying lap at Lusail?

Oscar Piastri recorded a 1:19.387 for McLaren while taking pole position for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix.

Why does Qatar race at night?

The floodlit schedule creates a distinctive spectacle while providing cooler conditions than a daytime desert race. However, temperatures and humidity can still make the event physically demanding.

Did Max Verstappen win a championship in Qatar?

Max Verstappen secured his third Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship during the 2023 Qatar Sprint.

What is Ferrari’s only Qatar podium?

Charles Leclerc finished second behind Max Verstappen during the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.

Follow Ferrari at the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix

ScuderiaFans will provide complete coverage of Ferrari’s 2026 Qatar Grand Prix weekend, including practice reports, qualifying analysis, race results, tyre-load developments, aerodynamic setup choices, strategy assessments and reactions from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the Maranello team.

Visit our dedicated 2026 Qatar Grand Prix archive for the latest Ferrari news from Lusail.