Formula 1 returns to Lusail Circuit for the penultimate round of the 2024 season. Here’s everything you need to know before attending the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix weekend!
- The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix takes place from November 29 to December 1
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The Qatar Grand Prix first appeared on the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, as a late addition to replace the Australian Grand Prix, which had been cancelled for the second year in a row as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2024 Qatar Grand Prix marks Formula 1’s third visit to Lusail Circuit. After a single year absence in 2022 – as a result of the country hosting the FIFA World Cup – the event returned to the calendar in 2023 as part of a ten-year deal. Both of F1’s visits to Qatar to date have brought action-packed race weekends, with tyre wear being a major talking point. While Lewis Hamilton took the win in 2021, Max Verstappen was victorious in 2023.
Like last year, Lusail Circuit will host Formula 1’s Sprint format, with an additional race taking place on Saturday (more on that below). Verstappen claimed his third successive title victory in the Sprint in 2023. With the title yet to be decided and Qatar hosting the penultimate round in 2024, it’s possible that the World Championship could again be decided at Lusail Circuit this year! Read on for all you need to know about attending the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
Heading to Qatar for the first time? All you need to know about visas and other travel essentials can be found in this post: Travel Basics – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Finding a Place to Stay for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Doha, the capital of Qatar, and Lusail, the new city closest to the circuit, have some of the highest-quality hotels on the 2024 calendar at some of the most competitive prices. If you don’t want to lose time commuting to and from the circuit, stay in nearby Lusail. For a better selection of hotels – not to mention easier access to shopping, dining and nightlife – the West Bay area of Doha is recommended. Finally, downtown areas of Doha close to Souq Waqif are also worth considering. Learn More: Where to Stay for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Last 2024 Qatar Grand Prix Tickets on Sale
Attendance grew at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix by 50% compared to when it was last held in 2021, thanks to an expansion of available viewing areas around the track. The Qatar Grand Prix has one of the lower weekend attendance figures of the year, with 120,000 fans at the track over the 2023 event weekend. It ranked as the 18th best-attended race of the 2023 F1 season.
A limited number of grandstand seats and VIP packages for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix are available via our trusted supplier. Hospitality packages are also available from F1 Experiences, offering exclusive perks like all-inclusive hospitality, pit lane walks and driver appearances.
Off Track at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Lusail Circuit is located just outside of Doha, the capital city where 80% of Qatar’s population lives. With the Qatar Grand Prix moving from October to December in 2024, trackside temperatures should be cooler for fans in the grandstands and exploring the surrounding areas should be a more comfortable experience, in less humid conditions than fans faced in 2023.
There are a number of F1-themed events taking place in Doha in the build up to race weekend. From fan festivals, to museum exhibitions and car displays, we’ve rounded up the best events happening in the city. Learn more: What’s Happening in Doha on 2024 Qatar Grand Prix Weekend?
A trip to the Qatar Grand Prix presents an opportunity to delve into the history of the surrounding area, with plenty of immersive museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites. For those looking to indulge in retail therapy, luxury brands, large malls and traditional Qatari shopping experiences are on offer across Doha. Read about the best places to visit away from the track during your trip to the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix?
Tickets for the Qatar Grand Prix are some of the most affordable of the season. Ticket prices for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix remained largely unchanged from 2023. The race ranks as the seventh-cheapest to attend in 2024 in terms of 3-day ticket prices, having ranked as the ninth most expensive in 2023. Tickets in the main grandstand, opposite the pit lane and with a view of the starting grid, are competitively priced compared to other races on the calendar.
We estimate that the average fan will spend around $905 USD on a trip to the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, including the cost of grandstand seats, a 3-night stay in a local hotel and daily spending money. For a full breakdown on what you can expect to spend during your trip to Qatar, read this post: Budget Planner – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
Getting to Lusail Circuit for the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Lusail Circuit is located around 10km north of Lusail and 30km north of Qatar’s capital city Doha. Doha’s airport, Hamad International Airport, is 30km south of the track. Free parking is available at the circuit, but race organisers encourage the use of public transport as parking space is limited. The easiest way to get to the venue is by shuttle bus or taxi. In 2023, a free shuttle was available to ticket holders from Lusail metro station to the track. The journey takes around 20 minutes but travel times may increase at peak times.
There is a designated drop off point for taxis at the circuit. Uber is also a good option. It should take around 25 minutes to travel from the West Bay area of Doha to the track and you should expect to pay around $10-20 USD. Be aware that race weekend traffic and surge pricing may add time and money to your journey.For more tips about travelling around Lusail, Doha and the surrounding area during your visit to the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, read this post: How to Get to Lusail Circuit – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
On Track at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Fans trackside at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix will be treated to an extra slice of on track Formula 1 action, thanks to the Sprint format being utilized once again at Lusail Circuit this year. In a slight change to last year, qualifying for the Sprint will take place after a single hour of practice on Friday evening. The Sprint itself takes place on Saturday evening, while qualifying for the Grand Prix follows on Saturday night. The Grand Prix takes place as usual on Sunday.
In addition to the Formula 1 action, F1’s support series Formula 2 and F1 Academy will each be racing twice over the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix weekend. Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East – which has also made appearances on the support schedule at the Bahrain Grand Prix – will be supplying further on-track action.
For further information about access points, prohibited items and the full on-track schedule, read this post: Trackside – 2024 Qatar Grand Prix.
Trackside Entertainment at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix
Located behind the Main Grandstand, the Fanzone is the place to be for the off-track entertainment across the race weekend. Various F1 displays, merchandise and food and drinks stalls can be found in this area.
In recent years, the Qatar Grand Prix has attracted big names to play at the trackside concerts which complement the on-track action. This year, Maroon 5 will headline the race weekend, with a special performance after the race on Sunday evening. Lebanese artist Myriam Fares is set to perform on Friday.
Who’s performing this year
Not been announced yet! If you haven’t already done so, join our Qatar Facebook Group and you’ll be one of the first to find out.
hi … will Uber be allowed to go to the circuit or to the metro station ?
Yes, both. You also have free shuttles from Lusail metro station to the circuit