Access, orientation, on-track schedule and tips for F1 fans attending the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail Circuit
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- The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled from November 27-29
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After first being staged during the COVID-impacted 2021 F1 season, the Qatar Grand Prix has been part of the F1 calendar since 2023. Since 2024, it’s been the penultimate race of the season, one week after the Las Vegas Grand Prix and one week before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Attendance has been rising at Lusail Circuit over the past few seasons, though it remains one of the lowest attended of the season. The organization is also slowly improving, though the promoter still needs to work on providing clearer information and directions to racegoers, ensure better training for on-site workers and also increase the number of concessions at the track.
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2026 Qatar GP: Need to Know
- Alcohol: Not served in the fan zones at Lusail Circuit, but is available inside hospitality venues. It’s possible to pay for entry to an affordable hospitality tent with a paid bar (but no track view) in the fan zone, nearer to Turn 1.
- Payments: You can pay with cash or credit/debit cards at Lusail Circuit. ATMs are located near the Main Grandstand at Spiral D and at Lusail Hill on the side closest to T2 & 3 (close to the Medical tent).
- WiFi: There is no public WIFI located at the circuit. Trackside hospitality suites and the Paddock Club normally offer free WIFI.
- Smoking: Not allowed in the grandstands, food & beverage areas, and certain activation areas. Lighters are among prohibited items and smoking will be allowed only in the designated smoking zones. Lighters are available in the designated smoking areas.
Access & Orientation at Lusail Circuit
- Getting to Lusail Circuit: More information about getting to the track, including details of trackside parking, is available in this post: How to Get to Lusail Circuit
- Entrance Gates: Lusail International Circuit has six main entrance gates for general admission, grandstands and circuit hospitality spaces, plus an additional entry for Paddock Club guests. Most entry gates are located behind the grandstands on the main start-finish straight. Check the circuit map for entry gates. Airport style security checks will be conducted at entry gates and your e-tickets will be scanned. See the bottom of this post for the list of prohibited items and advice on behaviour and local customs. Please note that an additional ticket check is done at grandstands and hospitality venues, where you will also receive a wristband.
- Gate Opening Times: Subject to confirmation for the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix. Last year, gates were open from 12:00-22:00 on Friday (Fan Zone closed at 21:45), 13:30-22:45 on Saturday (Fan Zone closed at 22:00) and 12:00-22:00 (Fan Zone closed at 21:45). The concert area closes later, see below.
- Re-Entry: Please note that re-entry is not allowed once you leave the venue security perimeter.
- Internal Shuttles: Available inside the circuit, with stops at the Fan Zone and different grandstands entry points.
2026 Qatar Grand Prix Schedule
- 2026 Timetable: The full on-track schedule won’t be confirmed until around six weeks before race weekend. F1 session times for 2026 are confirmed and listed below. Times listed are local, which is UTC+3. Sunset in Doha on race weekend is at approximately 16:45. (View the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix schedule here.)
- Sprint Race: Unlike the last two seasons, Qatar will not be staging an F1 Sprint race in 2026.
- Support Categories: Formula 2 is already confirmed for the 2026 Qatar GP. It is likely to be joined by the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, but the calendar hasn’t yet been announced.
- Thursday Pit Lane Walk: This is held on Thursday afternoon. All 3-day ticket holders will be emailed by the circuit to notify them how to claim their free tickets for the Pit Lane Walk on Thursday afternoon.
Friday, November 27
- 12:00: Gates Open (TBC)
- 16:30-17:30: Formula 1 Free Practice 1 (FP1)
- 20:00-21:00: Formula 1 Free Practice 2 (FP2)
- 21:45: Fan Zone Closed (TBC)
- 22:00: Gates Closed (TBC)
Saturday, November 27
- 13:30: Gates Open (TBC)
- 17:30-18:30: Formula 1 Free Practice 3 (FP3)
- 21:00-22:00: Formula 1 Qualifying
- 22:00: Fan Zone Closed (TBC)
- 22:45: Gates Closed (TBC)
Sunday, November 29
- 12:00: Gates Open (TBC)
- 17:00-17:30: Drivers’ Parade (TBC)
- 18:44-18:46: National Anthem (TBC)
- 19:00-21:00: Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026 (57 Laps or 2 hours)
- 21:45: Fan Zone Closed (TBC)
- 22:00: Gates Closed (TBC)
Lusail Circuit Fan Zone & Fan Forum
The fan zone at Lusail Circuit is located behind the Main Grandstand and near the primary circuit entrance and parking. It’s where you will find static and interactive F1 displays, merchandise, food and drink stalls. Alcohol is not served in the fan zone or in any public areas of the circuit during race weekend, with the exception of hospitality suites, but it is possible to pay for entry to an affordable hospitality tent with a paid bar (but no track view) in the fan zone, nearer to Turn 1. One major complaint from racegoers at recent editions of the race has been that queues for the food and drink concessions were long and slow moving, especially during peak times.
The Fanzone at Lusail Circuit is open to all ticket holders, and also features a Fan Forum, where the F1 drivers appear on stage. At last year’s race, the drivers appeared on either Friday afternoon (13:45-15:15) or Saturday afternoon (13:45-14:55). Appearance times at the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix will not be confirmed until a week or so before race weekend.
Trackside Concerts
Details of concert headliners at the 2026 Qatar Grand Prix have not yet been announced.
In line with other races in the Middle East, the Qatar Grand Prix welcomes major international musical acts to entertain fans at the track after the racing action has finished. Some of the international acts to have performed at the race since 2023 include Maroon 5, Metallica, Khaled and Seal. Learn more about F1 concerts here.
The concerts take place in an area around 10-15 minutes walk away from the fan zone. Please note that the concert arena can be reached only if you are already inside the circuit. Concert gates normally open around 20:00-20:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday or race weekend, with concerts running from 21:00-22:30.
Prohibited Items at the Qatar Grand Prix
See the image below for prohibited items at the Qatar Grand Prix (subject to change for 2026). You are not allowed to enter the circuit with any food or drinks, with the exception of baby food. Other prohibited items include glass containers, lighters, camera lenses exceeding 30cm in length, tripods and selfie sticks.
Guests are requested to refrain from the following behaviors while attending the Qatar Grand Prix:
Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behaviour, Actions that are harmful to or endanger others, Throwing items of any kind, Using foul or abusive language and/or gestures, Displaying inconsiderate behaviour towards others, Disorderly conduct, Wearing obscene or indecent clothing, Smoking in non-designated areas, Sitting or standing in the aisle ways, Entering or attempting to enter a restricted area or the racetrack, Entering the venue with any prohibited items, Harassment of opposing fans.
I take it there aren’t going to be any trackside concerts? Feels like they’ve left it very late to make any announcements?
There are supposed to be concerts with big-name and local artists, but you are right. I’m surprised we still haven’t had any announcements.
Hi, Any announcements on the post race concert?
Not yet
there are concerts.
Yes, more info here: https://gpdestinations.com/2023-qatar-grand-prix-bruno-mars-alesso-amr-diab-headline/
Which tickets get access to entry the track after racing, during the award ceremony? To see podium
To be confirmed if there will be a track invasion. If there will be, I think it will be open to all ticket holders
Any update on this? Will fan be able to go down to the track after the race?
Sorry I wasn’t able to reply, I was working at the race and it was really tough! As you know now, there is no track invasion in Qatar
Hi Andrew, do we know if
there will be a pitlane walk on Thursday for 3 day ticket holders?
Nothing has been announced, so I would say no.
F1 Experiences does have a pit lane walk on Thursday night, but only for their guests
Can’t 3 day ticket holders access the pit lane before the sprint shootout on Saturday ?
Sorry for the slow reply, I was working at the race and had no time to respond. There was a pit lane walk for 3-day ticket holders on Thursday. From Friday to Sunday, the only guests who could do a pit lane walk each day were those in the Paddock Club hospitality.
I must say the Thursday Pitlane Walk was probably the worst organization I have ever seen at any race. Thankfully it was all much better over the weekend from Friday to Sunday with a very efficient Shuttle Bus system from Track to Metro Station.
But Thursday, standing in front of closed gates, getting shuffled around from gate to gate and finally open the gates at 15:00 – 1h after the official start of advertised Pitlane Walk – was just bad.
I hope they learn from it for 2024 and will have the same great organization like over the weekend this year.
You should have contacted me, I was there and most of the weekend I was moving guests/staff from one place to another with golf carts. Agreed that Thursday was particularly bad with entrance gates not open and security not knowing where to go. Where did you sit for the race?
Hi Andrew, will keep it in mind for next time. :)
The free water distribution was nice, but also utterly necessary in this heat.
To be honest, I think to go back in 2024, as the weekend itself was nice. 2024 is in December which means cooler temperatures and F2 will also support the F1 weekend.
I sat the whole weekend at T2 Grandstand which is split in two stands, one facing T1 / T2 and one facing to T3 and the infield next to T3 Grandstand, which was the better one.
Considering going North Grandstand next year as it was free seating and sitting up high might be nice.
Hi Andrew. I am going now in Nov 24. Have General ground tickets for 3 days. Does that include Thirsday pit walk?
Yes, should be included. Wait for announcement from circuit regarding the pit lane walk
@ Andrew Balfour
Do you know if the general admission 3 day and or grandstand tickets will grant access to a Thursday piutlane walk, as F1 experiences is stating it is exclusive to their ticket holders , we are flying over this year to visit friends and attend..
I expect there will be two pit lane walks, like last year. One is for regular ticket holders (3-day GA or grandstands), the other is only for F1 Experiences guests
Hi, does anybody know how strict the dress code is for the Qatar grand prix? Would me and my husband be ok to wear shorts? We have seen and read conflicting articles.
You should be fine wearing shorts, though obviously not too short.
Hi, how early should u arrive to queue for free seating – T16 Grandstand?
Considering this F1 is towards the end of the season – r the merchandise usually much cheaper or not?
Will this ticket holders be able to njoy the winners podium?
I don’t think you have to arrive too early, Qatar is not the busiest race and I’m sure you’ll still get a seat even arriving later. Merchandise is unlikely to be cheaper at the end of the season, but you never know. As far as I’m aware, it’s not possible to do the track invasion after the race at Lusail
Hi Andrew. Do you know if the pitlane emails get sent only to those who bought on the circuit website? Or does it get sent to all 3 day ticket holders? Asking for 2025. Thank you for all the helpful info.
Yes, that’s correct. If you buy from another supplier, I suggest reaching out to them to ask if it’s possible to get the pit lane walk tickets.
Hi Andrew
Do you know if the pit lane invites are limited and I need to quickly claim it when i receive the email? or is it offered to everyone with 3 day grandstand tickets and is first come first serve kind ?
Yes, the number of people who can attend the pit lane walk is limited. You will only receive an email if you purchase direct from Lusail circuit. And yes, you should claim your place as soon as possible. A few days after the emails were sent last year, it was already closed
Hi! Thanks for your awesome advice here:)
I have two questions:
1. I was lucky to get a pitlane walk ticket. When would you recommend to get to the circuit on Thursday? Like how much time in advance?
2. I am already flying back home during the night between Sunday and Monday at 3:00. How long would you stay at the Circuit, if I only have to go straight to the Airport? And how does the transportation with the Shuttles work and how much time does it take in generell to get to the circuit from the city center and also back again?
Thanks a lot! Cheers :)
Hi Andrew,
I received the invitation for the Pitlane Walk and I reserved up to three tickets. Could you please confirm whether the Pitlane Walk is only for those who purchased the main event tickets? I want to know if my friends, who have not bought the main tickets, would be allowed to join me on Thursday.
Which tickets did your friends purchase? The pit lane walk is only for those who purchased 3-day race tickets. If they didn’t, they won’t get an invitation to the pit lane walk and they won’t be able to join you.