Qatar Grand Prix
The Qatar Grand Prix (Arabic: جائزة قطر الكبرى) is a Formula One motor racing event which is held in Qatar.
It was held for the first time on 21 November as part of the 2021 championship at the Lusail International Circuit, and after not taking place during the 2022 season due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar, it rejoined the calendar in 2023 under a 10-year contract. The race was established as the fourth full-night race (as opposed to day or day-to-night races) on the Formula One calendar, following the Singapore, Bahrain and Sakhir Grands Prix.
| Losail International Circuit (2023–present) | |
 | |
| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 2 |
| First held | 2021 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Lewis Hamilton (1) Max Verstappen (1) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  Mercedes (1) Red Bull Racing (1) |
| Circuit length | 5.419 km (3.367 miles) |
| Race length | 308.611 km (191.762 miles) |
| Laps | 57 |
| Last race (2023) | |
| Pole position | |
| Podium | |
| |
| Fastest lap | |
History
Origin
The 2021 Formula One season was initially planned over 23 races. The opening round of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, was initially postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in the country before being cancelled.
The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix occurred late during the season and left a vacancy in the calendar, and the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was announced as its replacement in October 2021.
2021
The inaugural edition of the Qatar Grand Prix took place on 21 November, in place of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton, with Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso completing the podium.
2023
After a one year absence in 2022, due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup which was staged in Qatar between November and December, the Qatar Grand Prix returned to the calendar on a 10-year contract from 2023. A new purpose-built circuit was initially proposed for the 2023 race, before being retained in Lusail. The Grand Prix featured one of six sprints in the season which was won by Oscar Piastri, claiming his first Formula One sprint victory. Max Verstappen clinched his third World Drivers' Championship title and third in a row.
Criticism
The Grand Prix has received criticism from Amnesty International on the grounds of human rights in Qatar.
In response to Amnesty International, Formula One said, "For decades Formula One has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits. Sports like Formula One are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement. We take our responsibilities on rights very seriously and set high ethical standards for counter parties and those in our supply chain, which are enshrined in contracts, and we pay close attention to their adherence."
Winners
By year
All Qatar Grands Prix were held at the Lusail International Circuit.
| Year | Driver | Constructor | Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Report |
| 2022 | Not held | ||
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT | Report |
| Source: | |||
References
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