Since its entry into the Formula 1 calendar, the Qatar Grand Prix has quickly established itself as one of the most demanding races of the championship. Let’s look back on 5 significant facts from the recent races.
1. A first edition in emergency
In October 2021, the FIA added the Qatar Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar to replace the Australian Grand Prix. The decision came in a particular context where, following cancellations due to Covid-19 restrictions, F1 was looking for circuits capable of hosting a race at the end of the season.
Losail Circuit, originally intended for motorcycle races, had the advantage of a smooth surface and a fast track that lent itself well to Formula 1. The event, scheduled to take place barely a month after being added to the calendar, forced the organizers to work within tight deadlines to adapt the facilities and meet Formula 1 standards.
2. Alonso’s return to the podium
During his first participation in the Qatar Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso made a spectacular comeback to the podium. Initially qualified 5th, he benefited from the penalties imposed on Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas for not respecting the yellow flags. A perfect start propelled him into second position before being overtaken by Max Verstappen. Despite this setback, Fernando Alonso demonstrated his class by constantly repelling Sergio Perez’s attacks, thereby securing his third place. This podium marked his return to the front positions, seven years after his last podium at the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.
3. Truce during the Football World Cup.
The year 2022 marked a strategic pause for the Qatar Grand Prix. With the organization of the FIFA World Cup, the Losail circuit was temporarily put on hold. This interruption had offered a unique opportunity for modernization: the infrastructures had been completely redesigned to better meet the demanding standards of Formula 1, with the aim of making this Grand Prix a lasting and attractive stage of the championship.
4. Tire and rumble strips incident
The 2023 edition had been marked by extreme conditions that had put drivers and machines to the test. After Friday’s free practice sessions, tire analyses carried out by Pirelli had detected micro-cuts between the carcass and the tire compound. These small fissures were caused by the interaction of the tires with the 50mm pyramid curbs at turns 12 and 13 of the circuit, precisely by the way the drivers were approaching them at high speed.
Initially, the FIA had tried to solve the problem by moving back the track limits by 80 cm on Saturday. This significant modification aimed to reduce the stress on the tires by changing the angle of attack of the turns. However, faced with persistent concerns about the safety of the drivers, the FIA had finally made an unprecedented decision: to impose a limit of 18 laps maximum per set of tires, requiring a minimum of three pit stops during the 57-lap race. At the end of this race, the drivers had described it as one of the toughest challenges of their careers.
5. Double podium for McLaren
During the 2023 season, McLaren achieved an exceptional double podium. Oscar Piastri, who was a rookie at the time, impressed by winning his first Sprint race on Saturday, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
The young Australian had once again managed to secure a podium in the main race on Sunday. Starting 6th, he had taken advantage of a collision between the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the first corner to take second place. He had kept it until the finish, ending less than five seconds behind Max Verstappen.
As for his teammate, Lando Norris, despite starting in 10th position, he had made a remarkable comeback to complete the podium, securing his fifth top 3 finish of the season. This double performance by McLaren was one of the highlights, highlighting the constant progression of the British team.
