Qatar Grand Prix 2026

Lusail International Circuit hosts the Qatar Grand Prix just outside the city of Lusail, north of Doha, Qatar. Built in just under a year and opened in 2004 for the country's first MotoGP event, it added permanent floodlighting in 2007 and staged MotoGP's first night race in 2008. Formula 1 first raced here in 2021 and returned in 2023 under a long-term agreement.

Originally laid out for motorcycles, the 5.419 km lap is quick and sweeping, with a run of medium- and high-speed bends that load the tyres heavily. A main straight of just over a kilometre is the best place to attack, under braking for Turn 1. Formula 1 races here take place at night under the circuit's floodlights.

• Opened in 2004 for MotoGP and hosted that series' first night race in 2008.
• Its main straight measures 1.068 km, just over a kilometre.
• Formula 1 debuted here in 2021 and returned in 2023 on a long-term deal.

What to watch for: Heavy tyre loads through the fast corners make tyre management and pit strategy central, with the long main straight into Turn 1 the best place to pass.