The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the renowned Losail International Circuit, located just outside Doha, the nation's capital. A defining feature of this race is its nighttime schedule, with the track illuminated by powerful floodlights, creating a unique atmosphere and making it one of the few events of the season held under the stars.
This format helps avoid the scorching desert temperatures typical of daytime races, offering drivers cooler, less grueling conditions. The Qatar Grand Prix debuted in 2021, with Lewis Hamilton claiming victory, but the 2022 edition was canceled due to the FIFA World Cup, hosted by Qatar. Formula 1 returned in 2023, reaffirming Losail's importance in the global calendar.
The Qatar GP has delivered memorable moments, starting with Hamilton's win in 2021. That year, Max Verstappen set the fastest lap with a time of 1:23.196, later breaking it in 2023 to establish the official lap record.
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In 2023, Verstappen further cemented his dominance in Formula 1, winning the race and securing his third world title during the Losail weekend. His record lap time of 1:23.196 remains unbeaten, and the circuit's average speed of around 215 km/h underscores its high-speed, technically demanding nature.
Fernando Alonso also shares a special connection with the Qatar GP. The 2024 edition will mark a historic milestone for the Spanish driver, as he becomes the first driver in Formula 1 history to reach 400 career starts. Competing with Aston Martin, Alonso has yet to achieve a podium finish at Losail, having raced there in 2021 and 2023.
The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix holds particular importance for McLaren, one of the favorites to win this year. While Ferrari is striving to close the gap in the Constructors' Championship, Losail has historically not suited the SF-23’s characteristics, and bookmakers remain skeptical of Ferrari’s chances.
Adding to the excitement, the Qatar GP will host the final Sprint Race of the 2024 season, injecting an extra dose of unpredictability and spectacle into the weekend. Lando Norris is a strong contender for the Sprint win, followed by Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, and Russell.
One of the most compelling storylines of this edition is the battle for the Constructors' Championship. McLaren currently leads the standings with a solid margin, thanks to the consistent performances of Norris and Piastri throughout the season. However, Ferrari is just 24 points behind and hopes for a significant result to keep the title race alive. The Maranello-based team faces an uphill battle at a circuit that historically hasn’t played to their strengths, with McLaren having solidified their advantage.
