F1 Qatar GP 2023: Updated schedule and timings

The Qatar GP, although still relatively new on the F1 calendar, promises an exciting race, thanks in part to the mixture of medium and high-speed corners. Additionally, with the Sprint race making a comeback, let's delve into the schedule for the upcoming Qatar GP.

Reflecting on the 2021 edition, when the race was last hosted, it coincided with the intense title battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Hamilton secured pole position, but Verstappen faced a significant challenge, slipping to seventh place due to a grid penalty for not slowing down under double yellow flags.

However, despite Verstappen's swift comeback, Hamilton emerged victorious, with Verstappen and Alonso finishing second and third, respectively.

Now, shifting our focus to 2023, the Qatar GP could be the stage where Max Verstappen clinches his third driver's championship, as he is just 3 points away. Furthermore, with the race featuring multiple mid-speed corners, McLaren could secure another strong result after an impressive 2nd and 3rd finish in the Japanese GP.

Qatar GP updated schedule

The Qatar GP will follow the new sprint shootout Formula 1 format, featuring one practice session and race qualifying on Friday, sprint qualifying and sprint race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday.

October 6 (Friday)

• Free Practice 1: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm IST (2:30 pm-3:30 pm BST)
• Race Qualifying: 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm IST (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm BST)

October 7 (Saturday)

• Sprint Qualifying: 6:30 pm – 7:14 pm IST (2:00 pm-2:44 pm BST)
• Sprint Race: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am IST (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm BST)

October 8 (Sunday)

• Race: 10:30 pm – 12:30 am IST (18:00 pm – 20:00 pm BST)