Here’s everything you need to know regarding the absence of Qatar GP from the F1 2022 calendar
Qatar has a 10-year deal to host Formula One from this year after making a debut in 2021. There was no race in 2022 because of the country hosting the soccer World Cup. It was held for the first time on 21 November as part of the 2021 championship at the Lusail International Circuit. The race was established as the fourth full-night race on the Formula One calendar, following the Singapore, Bahrain and Sakhir Grands Prix.
Following a one-year hiatus in 2022, attributed to the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar during November and December, the Qatar Grand Prix made its return to the calendar, securing a 10-year commitment starting from 2023. Initially, there were plans for a new purpose-built circuit for the 2023 race, but it was ultimately decided to keep it at the Lusail circuit. Notably, the Lusail track has undergone significant upgrades since 2021, including a new pit and paddock complex. This circuit is characterized by its high-speed nature, featuring 16 medium and high-speed corners and no abrupt braking zones. Moreover, it boasts a main straight that spans over one kilometer in length.
How did things turn out in the previous edition of the Qatar GP?
The previous edition of the Qatar Grand Prix occurred on November 21, 2021, at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. This event marked the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix in the 2021 Formula One World Championship, serving as the 20th race of the season. Lewis Hamilton, representing Mercedes, claimed the top spot on the podium, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured second place.
An interesting highlight was Fernando Alonso, racing for the Alpine team, achieving his first podium finish since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix and his first podium with Team Enstone since the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix. Additionally, Hamilton’s victory at Losail added to his impressive record, making it the 30th different circuit where he had won a Grand Prix.
The 2021 Qatar Grand Prix was not originally on the Formula One calendar but was added as a replacement for the canceled Australian Grand Prix due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This inaugural Qatar Grand Prix came with a 10-year hosting agreement starting from 2023, featuring a new circuit construction.
Conclusion
In 2022, there was no Qatar Grand Prix because Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup. The race garnered attention due to four front-left tire failures, as some teams pursued one-stop strategies against Pirelli’s recommendations. Lewis Hamilton emerged as the winner, leading every lap, but Max Verstappen, who finished second, prevented him from achieving a “grand slam” by setting the fastest lap.
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