Qatar returns to the F1 calendar: Events

Lusail International Circuit, Qatar, October 6-8 

Formula 1 heads to Qatar after a two-year absence to kickstart its long-term future on the calendar. The event made its debut in 2021 before taking a sabbatical due to the FIFA World Cup. It’s now back for the start of a controversial 10-year contract, with Qatari officials labelling it as the new, annual ‘World Cup’.

Max Verstappen is expected to continue his unbelievable level of dominance, but the 2021 race wasn’t so straightforward for him. Not yet a world champion and in the midst of a mighty title fight with Lewis Hamilton, he rose from seventh to finish second behind the Mercedes driver. Fernando Alonso joined them on the podium, and there could easily be a repeat of that top three this year.

However, on current form it will take something extraordinary for Hamilton or Alonso to get close to Verstappen. The Red Bull driver has been practically untouchable over the past 18 months, and won eight consecutive races before the summer break.

Despite five rounds after Qatar, Verstappen may become a triple world champion that weekend, such is the size of his lead. And what a way it would be to do so. Qatar is one of six night races on the calendar, and drivers face a 16-turn circuit with many medium to high-speed corners. There will also be a focus on Sergio Pérez, and questions over how close he can get to his team-mate. Behind, though, is where it gets more interesting.

Throughout 2023, F1’s second-best team has changed race-to-race between Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin, while lately McLaren has entered the fight. Each team has celebrated on the podium, with certain tracks suiting different cars, and the high-speed nature of Qatar is likely to favour McLaren.

It will be worth keeping an eye on Williams with its superior straight-line speed, while the driver market silly season is likely to just be gaining pace, given the race is happening towards the end of the season.

MotoGP – Grand Prix of India
Buddh International Circuit, India, September 22-24

India makes its debut on the MotoGP calendar for the season’s 13th round. Happening at Buddh Circuit, the track is famous for hosting F1’s Indian GP from 2011 to 2013. Francesco Bagnaia will arrive as the man to beat, so could he dominate there in a similar manner to how Sebastian Vettel used to?

WRC – Rally Chile 
Concepción, Chile, September 28-October 1 

Chile makes a long-awaited return to the WRC calendar. Due to coronavirus, the event has not been held since 2019 where Ott Tänak won that weekend. He is expected to be in contention again this year, as drivers face 194 miles of gravel in 2023’s antepenultimate round.

Historic Rally Festival
Weston Park, September 30-October 1 

The unique Historic Rally Festival is the perfect weekend for all families. Up to 60 extraordinary rally cars take part, and drivers tackle stages through the English countryside in front of a festival-like crowd. It starts at Hatton Grange, before a fireworks finale at the beautiful Weston Park country home.

BTCC – Brands Hatch GP
Brands Hatch, October 7-8 

BTCC’s epic 2023 season will reach its climax at Brands Hatch. At the time of writing, defending champion Tom Ingram and Ashley Sutton have locked horns in a tight championship battle where the latter currently leads. As well as the usual three touring car races, expect a packed support programme.

IMSA – Petit Le Mans
Road Atlanta, US, October 11-14 

Petit Le Mans continues its tradition of closing the season, after IMSA undertook a new class structure for 2023 with the arrival of LMDh Hypercars. Drivers face 10 hours around Road Atlanta. IMSA has been tight in 2023 with several teams winning races.

More events

Sep 15-17 F1 – Marina Bay, Singapore
Sep 22-24 F1 – Suzuka, Japan
Oct 1 NASCAR – Talladega, US
Oct 7/8 World RX – Cape Town