Lusail International Circuit Set to Feature in F1 World Championship in December

Paris, September 16, 2026 : Lusail International Circuit in Qatar has retained its place on the calendar for the 78th edition of the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2027, announced Wednesday to give fans an early look at where and when their favorite races will take place.

24 Grands Prix Across 22 Countries Confirmed

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 unveiled the calendar for motorsport's premier racing championship following approval by the World Motor Sport Council. The calendar features 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries, while the number of Sprint races will increase from six to 10. The season will begin in Bahrain and conclude with the final race in the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar Grand Prix Set for December 3-5

The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit will take place under the floodlights from December 3 to 5, marking the 23rd and penultimate round of the World Championship.

Lusail Continues Legacy as Multi-Discipline Motorsport Hub

Lusail International Circuit has hosted Formula 1 since Qatar joined the World Championship calendar in 2021, establishing itself as one of the world's leading circuits and bringing together some of motorsport's most prestigious championships, including Formula 1, MotoGP, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Sprint Format to Return to Lusail

Having successfully hosted Sprint races in previous seasons, Lusail will see the format return in 2027 as one of only 10 rounds to feature the shorter race, held on Saturday ahead of Sunday's main Grand Prix. The Sprint covers approximately 100 kilometers and carries its own points system and podium ceremony.

Circuit Known for Distinctive Racing Experience

The 5.38-kilometer Lusail International Circuit, featuring 16 corners and multiple overtaking opportunities, offers a distinctive experience for drivers and spectators alike, with its advanced world-class lighting system further enhancing its status as one of motorsport's most distinctive destinations.

Race Expected to Carry Championship Weight

The 2027 Qatar Grand Prix is expected to carry particular significance as it takes place during the closing stages of the season, offering crucial points in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships as the title battles approach their climax.

Season to Open in Bahrain, Close in the Gulf

The 2027 Formula 1 World Championship is scheduled to begin on March 14 with the Bahrain Grand Prix, returning to its traditional season-opener slot, followed a week later by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on March 21 — both races having been cancelled this season due to regional tensions. The Australian Grand Prix on April 4 will serve as the third round.

Calendar Spans Asia, North America, and Europe

Following the Japanese Grand Prix on April 11 and the Chinese Grand Prix on April 18, Formula 1 heads to North America for the Miami Grand Prix on May 2 and the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on May 23. The championship then moves to Europe, opening with the Monaco Grand Prix on June 6, which will feature a Sprint race for the first time.

Portugal, Türkiye Return to the Calendar

Portugal returns to the calendar for the first time since 2021, with a race at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão on June 20. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone follows on July 4, then Austria on July 11, Belgium on July 25, and Hungary on August 1 before the summer break, with racing resuming at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on September 5.

Türkiye also returns to the calendar with a race scheduled for October 3, while the Netherlands will no longer feature. The championship then returns to Asia for the Singapore Grand Prix on October 10, followed by races in the United States on October 24, Mexico on October 31, Brazil on November 7, and Las Vegas on November 20.

Season Concludes in Qatar, Abu Dhabi

The season will conclude with consecutive races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, with race days on December 5 and 12 respectively, both weekends featuring Sprint races.

Sprint Format Expands to New Venues

Sprint events will be held for the first time in Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco, and Abu Dhabi, while the format returns to Canada, Britain, Italy, Brazil, and Qatar. Pre-season winter testing will return to a single four-day session in Bahrain from February 24 to 27.

Source: QNA