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Helpful information when visiting the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix
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F1 cars racing past wheel-to-wheel, sparks flying high as the sun sets over the desert... Prepare for your exciting trip to the Qatar Grand Prix with these helpful tips and circuit information.
What makes the Lusail International Circuit so special?
The Lusail International Circuit, located on the outskirts of the capital city of Doha, is a fast and flowing track with a long main straight providing plenty of overtaking opportunities into Turn 1.
In fact, that straight is over one kilometre of the track’s 5.4km total length, and as night falls and the lights come on at this state-of-the-art motorsport venue, visitors are treated to spectacular views on track.
Originally built in preparation for hosting Qatar’s first ever MotoGP event, F1 first visited the circuit in 2021 before an additional 10-year deal to host the sport began in 2023. Despite shifting from early October to late November/early December, Qatar is still a great warm weather destination for F1 fans, with the prospect of some excellent night racing.
Keep reading for some useful information and friendly advice to help you make the most of your visit.
Sparks fly under the lights in the desert during the Qatar Grand Prix!
Helpful tips and advice
Want to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip to the Qatar Grand Prix? Here are some key tips that will help make sure your experience is the best it can be.
Pre-prepare
Before you head to the circuit, have any information that you need saved on your phone, such as tickets and maps. With an event of this size, it's always a good idea to set a meeting point with friends and family too, in case you get separated.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes
You’ll likely be walking a lot to reach the grandstands, food stalls, F1 Fanzone, and the many exciting off-track entertainment options, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential.
Light layers for all conditions
The weather in Qatar can be challenging to dress for at this time of year. With temperatures rising during the day, make sure you've got sun protection. However, it’s easy to overlook that the desert nights can cool down rather dramatically! To stay comfortable through the day and into the late-night track action, be sure to wear light layers and have a jacket on hand.
Don’t forget your bank card
Although some vendors do take cash, it’s better to be safe than sorry when attending the event and bring your card with you. After all, you never know when you might need it!
Arrive early
With tens of thousands of fans attending the circuit over the race weekend, we recommend getting to the track early to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Bin your rubbish
You'll find plenty of clearly marked bins for separating general waste from recyclables, so you don't have to carry your trash around all day!
Tickets
A valid ticket is required for entry into the circuit. Please ensure you have the correct ticket for the specific day you are attending, as tickets are non-transferrable for each day of the event.
Tickets include access to the F1 Fanzone and post-race concerts, as well as shuttle buses between Lusail Metro Station and the circuit.
RACE TICKETS - QATAR
Don't miss your chance to experience F1 in the desert setting of Lusail...
Children
Children two years old and below can enter general admission and grandstands for free, but require a full ticket for hospitality. However, they will not be granted a seat within the grandstand and must be carried.
The “Family Friday” event returns in 2024. On Friday 29 November, children under 12 can get free access to the general admission area on Lusail Hill at Turn 1 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian purchasing a full price ticket.
A maximum of four free child tickets can be booked by an adult purchasing a full price ticket.
Circuit opening hours
- Friday: TBC
- Saturday: TBC
- Sunday: TBC
Opening hours are local time and are subject to change.
More information about specific session timings can be found on our full weekend track schedule, including details of all practice and qualifying sessions, support races, and other special events – plus, of course, the F1 Sprint timings and that crucial Qatar Grand Prix start time.
Circuit entrances
There are multiple entrances into the circuit, and information about which access gate is best for you can be found on your ticket.
More information about travelling to and from the circuit can be found on our dedicated Qatar Grand Prix travel page.
Catch the action in Qatar under the setting sun
Accessibility
The Qatar Grand Prix is an inclusive and accessible event, committed to providing access to the event facilities, amenities, and activities.
The general admission areas and grandstands have accessible platforms for wheelchair users and their escorts.
Forbidden items
Bag checks will be conducted at all entrances, with all bags subject to search. We advise packing lightly for a faster clearance through security.
For everyone's safety, there are a number of items not permitted within the circuit, including (but not limited to):
- Lighters, explosives & detonators
- Radio-electronic high-frequency devices
- Weapons
- Compressed, liquefied & flammable gases
- Narcotic & toxic substances
- Aerosol cylinders
- Work tools
- Glass containers
- Food & beverages (except baby food)
- Electric scooters, bicycles & skateboards
- Animals (except assistance dogs)
- Sports gear & sports equipment
- Camera lenses exceeding 30cm, tripods & selfie sticks
- Media & telecommunications equipment
- Banners or flags larger than 2m x 1.5m
- Musical instruments
- Whistles, loudspeakers & air horns
- Lasers or pointers
- Gliders, drones & inflatable balls
- Masks & helmets
- Umbrellas
- Bags exceeding 75cm (L.W.AH)
- Folding chairs, bulky items
- Binoculars & any magnifying devices
- Paint & colouring substances
- Racist, political or xenophobic material (e.g. symbols, texts or images)
- More than one powerbank
- Medical drugs are limited to a single package with no more than seven distinct medications, in any form
- Items that can cause injury
If you are found with a prohibited item within the circuit, it will be confiscated and disposed of, and in the case of unlawful items, you could be arrested. Refusal to be searched upon entry may result in not being admitted into the circuit.
When exiting the circuit, the removal of any event infrastructure (signage, equipment, etc.) is prohibited.
Permitted items at the event include:
- Empty, non glass water bottle container
- Mobility scooter with proof of medical card
- Assistance dogs with proof of medical card
There's a great variety of delicious food and drink options within the circuit
Food and drink inside the circuit
There are plenty of food and beverage options available throughout the Lusail International Circuit.
The locations of food and drink vendors are marked on the event map in the official F1 Race Guide App, making it a useful port of call when you looking to satisfy a hunger or quench your thirst!
Alcohol is only available in licensed locations, including hospitality, but is not sold within the Fanzone areas. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21.
Bringing your own food and drink into the circuit is prohibited, except for baby food.
In and around the circuit
Fans can download either the official Lusail International Circuit App or F1 Race Guide App to help with wayfinding at the circuit.
Additionally, there are signposts at various points throughout the circuit to you find your way around.
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