How Qatar turned itself into a motorsports hub

When Formula 1 arrives in Qatar, it headlines a stacked schedule of elite sport in the country. From Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium to the illuminated grandstands of Lusail, the country has become one of the world’s most active sporting destinations.

For more than two decades, Qatar has hosted world-class athlete camps, international federations and a year-round schedule of global events. Yearly events like the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 Qatar Open, and athletics’ Doha Diamond League meet draw global audiences, while the country has also hosted the World Aquatics Championships, the World Athletics Championships, and the FIFA Club World Cup. These events have supercharged the city’s rhythm and helped cement Doha as a sporting capital.

By the time Qatar staged the FIFA World Cup in 2022, fans had long embraced the dynamic sporting calendar. Live sport feels woven into daily life – and it’s this culture that paved the way for motorsport to flourish into Qatar’s lively racing scene.

The rise of Qatar’s Motorsport scene

MotoGP was the first major global series to arrive, staging the 2004 debut race at Lusail International Circuit, which opened the same year. Four years later, it made history with the first full night race in MotoGP, transforming the circuit into a glowing arena of speed. The mix of desert air, bright floodlights and cooler evening conditions produced a real spectacle, and MotoGP has been coming ever since.

As interest and investment increased, more categories followed. The World Endurance Championship has opened in Qatar since 2024, bringing long distance racing to Lusail. Regional touring car series and junior single seater categories have added depth to Lusail’s wider racing calendar, with the Superbike and Motocross World Championships also making appearances. This growing mix of disciplines has helped establish Qatar’s motorsport culture.

Formula 1 joined that landscape in 2021, adding the world’s premier single seater series to an already ambitious calendar. Its arrival marked a significant step in Qatar’s evolution as a racing destination – and at the centre of this development is the Lusail International Circuit.

Lusail International Circuit: Evolution of a modern classic

From the beginning, Lusail International Circuit stood out for its fast, flowing layout and wide run-offs that suited both bikes and cars. Its desert setting gave it an open, cinematic quality that felt different from traditional venues. This reputation opened the door for Formula 1’s increasingly diverse calendar to make a spot for Qatar.

The MotoGP night race in 2008 became one of the circuit’s defining moments, with the striking imagery and ideal climate leading to other disciplines embracing the format too. The mix of bright floodlights, flowing desert track, and cooler temperatures gives Lusail a unique selling point on global racing calendar.

Major upgrades in recent years have modernised almost every part of the circuit, including expanded paddock areas, refreshed garages, and elevated hospitality infrastructure. With a refined surface built to handle modern F1 cars and a capacity increase from 8,000 to 52,000 people, Lusail is currently set to host F1 until at least 2032.

Why Qatar Works for Motorsport

Qatar’s climate gives it a natural advantage for high-performance racing. Warm, dry conditions produce a reliable racing season, with very little disruption from rain or extreme weather. For international series that rely on consistent track conditions, this stability makes Qatar dependable for entertainment.

The country’s modern infrastructure also supports racing at scale. Transport networks upgraded after the World Cup, including the metro link to Lusail, make it easy for fans to move between the circuit, the city and major hotel districts. Roads, precincts and visitor facilities are built to handle large crowds, and the surrounding areas can comfortably support a full race weekend.

Beyond the track, Qatar is known for combining world-class sport with world-class hospitality, offering fans a mix of attractions, restaurants, and waterfront districts to explore in between sessions. This blend of entertainment and efficiency allows fans to enjoy this racing destination to the fullest extent.

Fan Culture: Energy Under the Lights

Qatar’s sporting fans are known for their enthusiasm and hospitality, with diverse crowds thanks to Qatar’s central location and easy global access. It gives race week an international feel, with supporters arriving from multiple regions united by their shared love for F1.

For visiting fans, the welcoming environment in Qatar adds to the experience. Fans often attend in groups, bringing children, family and friends, and with weekends drawing in Qatar’s large expat community, there’s always lively vibe across the city and its venues.

Inside Lusail, that mix comes to life. The Fanzone draws crowds early with food stalls, family activities and entertainment, especially during the Friday ‘family day’ sessions. By the time evening arrives, the grandstands fill quickly and the atmosphere lifts with fans in team colours, waving flags and enjoying the novelty of a night race. The combination of global supporters, local families and travelling fans creates a warm, buzzing energy for the F1 show.

The Future of Motorsport in Qatar

Qatar’s long-term commitment to motorsport is now firmly in motion. A multi-year agreement keeps F1 on the calendar through 2032 – stability that has encouraged Qatar to think bigger about what race week can become.

Those aforementioned upgrades at Lusail were part of that vision, with expanded grandstands, refreshed hospitality zones and improved fan areas designed to elevate visitor experience. Surrounding districts have also evolved to meet race-week demand, with hotels, malls and dining precincts extending hours and programming – fully embracing F1 coming to town.

Qatar is also investing in its own racing talent. Development programmes, national competitions and partnerships with local institutions are helping identify and support the next generation of drivers. With more pathways opening through karting, GT racing and endurance events, the connection between Qatar and global motorsport continues to deepen.