Lusail International Circuit

Interesting facts

Losail was originally built as a MotoGP circuit in 2004, and in 2008 it hosted one of motorsport's first-ever night races, years before Formula 1's own first night race in Singapore. Set on the edge of the desert, the track is lined with artificial grass so the wind can't blow sand onto the asphalt. The 2021 Qatar Grand Prix was added to the calendar at short notice to replace the COVID-cancelled Australian round, Formula 1's first-ever race in Qatar. That race saw four front-left tyre failures caused by aggressive kerb-riding, forcing the FIA to impose Formula 1's first-ever lap-based safety limit, a maximum 18-lap tyre stint, for the remainder of the race. Lewis Hamilton led every lap from pole to win the inaugural race, his 30th different circuit victory; Fernando Alonso's third place was his first podium in seven years. The rescheduled, brutally hot and humid 2023 race pushed drivers to their limit: Esteban Ocon vomited twice inside his helmet yet still finished seventh, while Logan Sargeant retired with heat exhaustion. The circuit is located in Lusail, Qatar. Formula 1 has raced here since 2021, with 4 races held so far, most recently in 2025. The first race here was won by Lewis Hamilton, in 2021. The most recent winner here was Max Verstappen, in 2025. Max Verstappen has won here more than anyone else, 3 times. Among constructors, Red Bull has been the most successful here, with 3 wins. The lap record here is held by Lando Norris, at 1:22.384 (McLaren, 2024). This is a night race, held under floodlights.

Circuit history