10-year deal to host F1 in Qatar kicks off, but country's laws still a touchy subject

04.10.2023 - 12:31 news24.com

It's race week and Formula 1 returns to Qatar for a dash around the Lusail International Circuit.Having debuted in 2021, the Qatar Grand Prix proved to be a success, with the FIA and FOM (Formula One Management) signing a 10-year deal with the race organisers to return to the country, starting in 2023.Because of the 2022 Soccer World Cup, Qatar was not on last year's calendar.Sure, the sport could have planned to host it elsewhere in the year, but the desert state's soaring temperatures would not have made it ideal.

This time of year is best. About the track Located just outside Doha, Qatar's capital, the Lusail International Circuit hosted its first big international racing event in 2004 when it hosted MotoGP.

Completed in just over 12 months, the 5.4 km circuit's fast and flowing nature was designed primarily for two-wheel racing.The race is run over 57 laps for a total race distance of 308.611 km.From Turns 1 to 16, the track is riddled with twists and turns, with the main straight between Turns 16 and 1 'hosting' the only DRS zone on the lap.

This 1km straight will also provide drivers with the best chance of an overtake into Turn 1.Sadly, while the race presents good action, Qatar is under immense pressure to address discriminatory laws, particularly against women, and the toxic patriarchal system.

formula 1 F1 charlen raymond Lewis Hamilton Qatar

Lewis Hamilton is to face an investigation by the FIA for walking across the track during the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend. It is the second time the incident has come under scrutiny, with the British driver having already been investigated and fined by the stewards at the race.

Formula One drivers unhappy after ‘dangerous’ Qatar Grand Prix

George Russell believes Formula One went “beyond the limit of what is acceptable” by staging a Qatar Grand Prix that Lando Norris described as “too dangerous”.

Drivers dismayed by conditions at Qatar Grand Prix

George Russell believes Formula One went "beyond the limit of what is acceptable" by staging a Qatar Grand Prix that Lando Norris described as "too dangerous".

Verstappen deserves place among F1 greats - but who has he really beaten?

Max Verstappen's championship-winning ways have only just begun, according to Formula One legend Fernando Alonso. And more than almost anyone the relentlessly brilliant, Teflon-coated, Kevlar-hard, double-world champion Alonso should know the real deal when he sees it.

Max Verstappen claims 14th win of memorable title-winning campaign in Qatar Grand Prix

DOHA: Newly-crowned three-time world champion Max Verstappen cruised to his 14th win of an outstanding season for Red Bull on Sunday when he won an exhausting, frantic and often confusing Qatar Grand Prix.The 26-year-old Dutchman, who secured his third straight title win in Saturday’s sprint race, came home 4.838 seconds clear of McLaren’s rookie Oscar Piastri, who won Saturday’s sprint, and lapped his Red Bull team-mate, erstwhile title rival, Sergio Perez.Lando Norris finished third in the second McLaren ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, who survived a first-corner crash with team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who retired in the gravel.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the Italian team’s only runner after Carlos Sainz withdrew due to fuel issues before the start, finished fifth ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon of Alpine.Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo was eighth, Perez came home ninth and Zhou Guanyu 10th in the second Alfa Romeo, but their positions were reversed due to the Mexican’s time penalties.It was Verstappen’s 49th career victory and came complete with pole position and fastest lap, giving him a classic hat-trick to mark his triple title triumph.“I think what made my race was my first stint,” said Verstappen. “After that I could manage the pace and keep the tires in a good window, but the McLarens were quick and really pushed me.”Piastri, reflecting the feelings of all the drivers, said: “It was so hot.