Formula 1 returns to the Losail International Circuit for only the second Qatar Grand Prix as Max Verstappen is set to clinch a third consecutive world title.
Verstappen is likely to win the title in the Sprint Race on Saturday as long as he finishes sixth or higher. If not, the Red Bull driver is almost certain to secure the championship on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar GP in 2021 from Verstappen on a weekend marred by a controversial qualifying, when the Dutchman was given a five-grid place penalty
Red Bull won the F1 constructors’ championship last time out at the 2023 Japanese GP, so attention turns to the battle for second between Mercedes and Ferrari.
Mercedes lead Ferrari by 20 points with six events remaining and there are 59 points available this weekend in Qatar as it’s a sprint weekend.
When is the 2023 Qatar GP?
The 2023 Qatar GP will take place at the Losail International Circuit but there will be a change to the normal schedule as it’s a sprint weekend.
Friday will see qualifying for the main race scheduled for 18:00 UK time (20:00 local) and the Grand Prix itself at 18:00 UK time (20:00 local) on Sunday.
Saturday will see another qualifying session, known as the sprint shootout, which will set the grid for the sprint race later in the day, which is at 18:30 UK time (20:30 local).
| Date | Session | Local | UK (BST) | US (EDT) | US (PDT) | Aus (AEST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 6 | Practice 1 | 16:30 | 14:30 | 09:30 | 06:30 | 23:30 |
| October 6 | Qualifying | 20:00 | 18:00 | 13:00 | 10:00 | 03:00* |
| October 7 | Sprint Shootout | 16:00 | 14:00 | 09:00 | 06:00 | 23:00 |
| October 7 | Sprint Race | 20:30 | 18:30 | 13:30 | 10:30 | 03:30* |
| October 8 | Grand Prix | 20:00 | 18:00 | 13:00 | 10:00 | 03:00* |
Where can I watch the 2023 Qatar GP?
For viewers in the UK, the 2023 Qatar GP practice session, qualifying, sprint shootout, sprint race and the main Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1. Meanwhile, if you are in the USA every session will be shown across ESPN.
F1 fans in Australia will be able to catch all the action on Fox Sports, while those in Canada can watch on TSN.
