Qatar Grand Prix
The Qatar Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event which is held in Qatar. It was held for the first time on 21 November as part of the championship at the Lusail International Circuit, and after not taking place during the season due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar, it rejoined the calendar in under a 10-year contract. The race was established as the fourth full-night race on the Formula One calendar, following the Singapore, Bahrain and Sakhir Grands Prix.
History
Origin
The Formula One season was initially planned over 23 races. The opening round of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, was initially postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions in the country before being cancelled.The cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix occurred late during the season and left a vacancy in the calendar, and the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix was announced as its replacement in October 2021.
2021
The inaugural edition of the Qatar Grand Prix took place on 21 November, in place of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton, with Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso completing the podium.The Grand Prix has received criticism from Amnesty International on the grounds of human rights abuses in Qatar. In response to Amnesty International, Formula One said that "For decades Formula One has worked hard be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social, and cultural benefits. Sports like Formula One are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition and achievement. We take our responsibilities on rights very seriously and set high ethical standards for counter parties and those in our supply chain, which are enshrined in contracts, and we pay close attention to their adherence." The same response was made for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, another Grand Prix in the Middle East that also made its debut in 2021, for similar reasons.