Qatar Joins F1 2021 Calendar

Qatar’s Losail International Circuit will host its first-ever Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in November this year, while signing a 10-year deal to remain host until 2032.

The long-standing MotoGP venue situated north of Doha will host the notorious race on the weekend of November 19-21, as part of a triple-header between Brazil and Mexico. 

The three-day event will bring the world championship to its 20th of 22 rounds. 

In addition to filling this year’s vacant spot, Qatar has signed a 10-year deal with Formula One to host the Grand Prix every year from 2023 to 2032. 

A Formula one statement read: “There was a strong will from Qatar to be helpful to F1 and, in the course of this process, the vision for a longer partnership was discussed and agreed for 10 years.” 

“The step from the gesture to be helpful to F1 in 2021 to a long-term strategy was short and simple, and the vision for F1 to be the showcase for Qatar after the FIFA World Cup in 2022 was the driving force behind this long-term agreement.

“As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the grand prix from 2023, with further details to be provided at a later time,” the statement read.

Qatar will not see the world championship in 2022, due to a clash with the FIFA World Cup set to go ahead in the country next year.

However, the event will return to Qatar in 2023 at a venue yet to be confirmed, as a new circuit is in the midst of planning.

Formula 1 chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, said: “We have shown that we can continue to adapt and there is huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a grand prix.”

“The huge effort from all the teams, F1 and the FIA has made it possible to deliver a 22-race calendar, something that is very impressive during a challenging year and something we can all be proud of,” Domenicali said.

Qatar will now become the fourth Middle East host of the Formula One world championship, joining Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.