Formula 1 Race List 2021

Qatar Adds F1 Race To Growing International Sporting Event Portfolio

It seems Australia's strict and lengthy COVID 19 reaction has benefitted one of the richest countries in the world.

Qatar has added the luxurious Formula 1 brand to its ever-growing list of top-tier international sporting events it will host. Merely hours ago, Formula One announced via its Twitter account that it had struck a deal with Qatar to replace the Australian race this year at the Losail International Circuit.

The Losail International Circuit opened in 2004 and has hosted Moto GP in a night race since then. Rumours suggest that will be the case for the 2021 F1 race also.

They went on to add that from 2023 the Qataris would host a yearly race as part of a ten-year deal and alluded to the fact that it is possible a purpose-built F1 track or street circuit might be in the works from the beginning of that deal.

"The step from the gesture to be helpful to F1 in 2021 to a long term strategy was short and simple and the vision for F1 to be the showcase for Qatar after the FIFA World Cup in 2022 was the driving force behind this long term agreement. As part of the longer-term deal, discussions will continue regarding the location for the Grand Prix from 2023 with further details to be provided at a later time."

- Official Statement from Formula One

It's another aggressive move into the world sporting events market by the oil-rich nation. They now have the F1 brand to go hand in hand with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, No doubt there will be heavy scrutiny on the governing body of F1 from human rights groups, just as there has been on FIFA.

For the drivers though, it must be a relief to have the calendar finalised. For fans, it will create a historic 3-way Middle Eastern finale to the season with the Qatari race followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the traditional season finale in Abu Dhabi.

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