All you need to know about the Formula 1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix 2021
About Lusail International Circuit
Our history
Lusail International Circuit is situated 22 miles north of Qatar’s capital city, Doha. The circuit opened its doors in 2004, and in 2007, added permanent floodlights to facilitate evening races. At the time, Lusail International Circuit was the largest permanent sports lighting venue in the world. The first night race in MotoGP’s history was hosted at our track in 2008.
About the track
Lusail International Circuit is 5.38km in length with a total of 16 turns – 10 right turns and 6 left turns. The main straight on the circuit is just over a kilometre long, providing the circuit’s only F1 DRS zone, and allowing cars to reach speeds in excess of 220km/h on race day.
The tight right-hander into turn one provides the best opportunity for cars to overtake, while an almost flat-out triple right-hand apex in turns 12 through to 14 are likely to be challenging on tyres.
Recent upgrades
In 2020, the track’s floodlights underwent major improvements. The old lights were removed and replaced with a brand new, state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The upgrade has improved the quality of lighting on the track for drivers and fans.
Additional changes are also underway to ensure the circuit is ready to host Formula 1. This includes the addition of double kerbs and modifications to the pit garages.
Spectator capacity
The permanent grandstand, located on the main straight, has a seating capacity of 7,500. For large events, including when the Formula 1 comes to Qatar, the overall capacity can be increased by adding temporary grandstands and hospitality areas around the circuit.
The capacity for the Formula 1 race is expected to be in excess of 20,000.
Quickfire Q&A
Everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience at the Formula 1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix 2021.
When is the Formula 1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix 2021?
The race weekend will take place from 19-21st November 2021.
The weekend will begin with two practice sessions on Friday, followed by a single practice session and qualifying on Saturday. The Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, with lights out scheduled for 17:00 local time.
A full schedule of events and activities will be published in due course.
Will food and beverage be available at the circuit?
Yes – there will be a variety of food and beverage options to accommodate a wide range of personal preferences.
Will alcohol be available?
Alcohol will be available for purchase in the Lusail Club Fanzone. Alcohol may only be consumed in the Sports Lounge and may not be taken into the stands. Please note the legal age for alcohol consumption in Qatar is 21 years old.
Will there be an F1 fanzone at the circuit?
Yes, there will be a fanzone located behind the Main Grandstand. This will be accessible to customers who hold tickets for the Main Grandstand: Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, as well as the North Grandstand.
Lusail Club and Corner 10 Grandstand will have their own smaller Fanzones with food, beverages and a range of activities.
Will I need to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter the circuit?
Any person who is fully vaccinated, and fourteen days have passed between their final dose of the vaccine and the beginning of the event, may attend. Proof of vaccination will need to be shown when entering the event. This can be done by:
- Showing the golden frame around the Green QR code on the Ehteraz Application.
- Showing an official vaccination certificate from Qatar, or from the country where the vaccination was received.
- Children under 12 years old who are not eligible to receive the vaccine in Qatar are required to show a negative Rapid Antigen Test or a negative PCR test result from a MOPH approved health centre. This test needs to be taken within 24 hours of entering the event grounds.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 within one year of the start of the event, you can also gain access by showing proof of this in the form of an official certificate.
Those visiting from outside of Qatar must also adhere to the country’s entry requirements found on the Ministry of Public Health’s website, here.
Visit Qatar has also developed a helpful guide for visitors to understand their travel requirements for entry into the State of Qatar – found here.
Lusail International Circuit will not be held responsible for ticket holders who do not follow the entry requirements for Qatar. No refunds will be available.
Will there be free parking at the circuit?
Free parking will be available, but it will be very limited. We encourage ticket holders to make use of public transport and to car-pool as much as possible. Please plan to arrive early as traffic congestion is expected on the roads surrounding the circuit and in the parking areas.
What are my public transport options?
There will be a designated taxi/Uber drop off point at the circuit. A taxi from the West Bay area of Doha to Lusail International Circuit will take approximately 25 minutes (with no traffic) and costs approximately 35 Qatari Riyals ($9.50).
For people using the Metro, there will be frequent shuttle buses running between Lusail Metro Station and Lusail International Circuit. A single standard journey on the Metro costs 3 Qatari Riyals ($0.80). Please note the expected shuttle travel time from Lusail Metro Station to Lusail International Circuit may take up to 40 minutes so please plan your trip accordingly. On Fridays, the Metro only operates from 14:00.
What are the expected weather conditions for the race?
The average temperature in Qatar during the month of November is 25 degrees Celsius, with slightly cooler temperatures in the evenings. As we move closer to the winter months, there may be a chance of rain.
What else can I do during my trip to Qatar?
For more information, head over to the Visit Qatar website to plan your itinerary for your trip to Qatar.
