Eat, sleep, race, repeat.
Eat, sleep, race, repeat.
Eat, sleep, race, repeat.
As we near the end of the final triple header of the 2021 Formula 1 season and the close of this year’s record-breaking 22-race season, it can be said that the past few weeks have been a bit of a blur. At the risk of sounding like a Marks and Spencer commercial, this wasn’t just any triple header. This was the first to span three continents, with us traveling in North America, South America and Asia. It’s also a triple header that we didn’t like so far: Two points from two races are not quite what we wanted. But we’re going back to the first Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, where we hope our fortunes will change among the desert dunes.
Check out our latest preview of what to expect in Qatar. McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo and Team Principal Andreas Seidl share their thoughts on what to expect as we give you the facts about the Losail International Circuit and some “world class” styles available in the McLaren Store.
So follow you
| Round | 20th |
| Where | Losail International Circuit |
| When | November 19-21 |
| Start time | 17:00 local, 14:00 GMT, 09:00 EDT |
| follow | TEAMStream and the McLaren App for exclusive comments and insights |
What you say
“After a tough race in Brazil last week, I hope that we can drive to Qatar for the first time in Formula 1 this weekend. We still have one final race of this sophisticated triple headset ahead of Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, so we will do everything we can to end it on a climax.
“I was able to drive the Losail International Circuit in the simulator to get a feel for what to expect this weekend. It’s a pretty fast and fun track with a couple of large braking zones that should make for a physical race. Being able to compete in new locations is always a challenge that is exciting for us as drivers, as we have to adapt to new things and get fit as quickly as possible. I look forward to it!”
“We were unlucky in Brazil that we didn’t have any points on my side. It was a shame but there are still plenty of positives from the weekend to use to focus on maximizing everything from the remaining races of this season. We have one more to ourselves at a new venue in Qatar to round off this triple header. I’m looking forward to it because it’s a new track and a different challenge for everyone. The aim is to get a grip on the route from the start and to find a good rhythm. The race under the lights adds extra excitement. Three more, we’ll keep fighting. “
“After two challenging weeks we are going to Qatar to achieve a positive result for the team and, with the package we have, to get the points that are on the table for us.
“This week the Losail International Circuit is hosting the very first Qatar Grand Prix in Formula 1 history. Once again it’s exciting to race in a new country and venue and bring the sport to fans around the world from a different area.
“After the sprint qualifying in Brazil, we are going back to the traditional race weekend format. The additional free training will allow the teams to optimize their planning and setup, especially in the absence of historical data. The track offers a mix of medium and fast corners with a DRS zone on the long main straight that will hopefully offer opportunities to overtake in the first corner.
“The team both on the track and at the plant, together with our colleagues from Mercedes HPP, showed hard work, commitment and teamwork at the highest level in this transcontinental triple header. We will continue to apply pressure together. “
What the statistics say
Is…
Unsurprisingly, given that F1 has never raced at Losail International Circuit before, not much. With a slightly wider network, Lando has never finished outside the top 10 in races in the Middle East: his best result was fourth place at last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Daniel’s best result to date in this region of the world is fourth, like Lando, with two each at the Bahrain Grand Prix (2014 and 2016) and Abu Dhabi (2014 and 2018).
Choice of tire compound for the Qatar GP
What to look out for
Located on the outskirts of Qatar’s capital, Doha, the 5.38-kilometer Losail International Circuit is more known for motorcycles than single-seaters as it has hosted the MotoGP World Championship since 2004 – Losail speed curves are likely to be very tough on tires. So it’s no surprise that Pirelli decided to bring the three toughest mixes available this weekend.
How the tires will perform is unknown to the calendar, as is the case with any new addition, and we will only get a clearer picture after the run on Friday. Even then, the picture is likely to be a bit distorted: In addition to F1, there are no support series running in Losail this weekend, which means that there is less rubber on the track, and sand that is blown onto the track from the surrounding desert could also affect the grip level. That all means the track development over the weekend could be quite significant.
If Losail International Circuit were to be compared to any other circuit on the calendar, the fast and flowing Silverstone – or even Mugello in 2020 – wouldn’t be a bad rap. Speaking of similarities: Turns 12-14 form a triple-apex right-hand bend that is reminiscent of the infamous Curve Eight in Istanbul Park, Turkey – albeit in the opposite direction – and the left front tire is heavily loaded here. Elsewhere, the main straight is over a kilometer long and should provide an opportunity to overtake into the first corner – a good exit from the last corner is key to maximizing speed on the straight.
This weekend we will be in the light for the first time since our season opener in Bahrain in March, because the Qatar Grand Prix is a twilight race, the start is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time. The cooler temperatures in the evening will make life easier for the drivers, cars, tires and team members, but FP1 and FP3 take place during the day, which means FP2 provides the most representative picture of likely qualifying and race conditions.
Weather forecast for the weekend
What to wear
A Grand Prix is not the only major sporting event that Qatar will host for the first time. The 2022 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and Qatar is hosting the next edition of the world’s largest football tournament. From DRS to VAR, from pit stops to Tiki-Taka, we have literally equipped you with the World Tour 9FIFTY Cap, which features a modern, digitized world map print that is perfect for a Grand Prix and football.
Plus one
OK, time for another shameless McLaren Plus connector folks. In case you haven’t heard it, it’s the most complete, rewarding, and open fan program in motorsport. It gives you unparalleled access to the team as well as exclusive contests and giveaways and 10% discount in the McLaren Store. And it’s completely free too, so sign up below. It will be the best decision you make all week … along with buying the World Tour 9FIFTY Cap – do that too.
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The post McLaren Racing – Everything You Need to Know for the Qatar Grand Prix first appeared on monter-une-startup.
