Formula 1 adds Qatar to the 2021 calendar

The 2021 Formula 1 season is a very exciting one. So far, the championship point leaders – Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen – are separated by only a few points. It's the same for drivers fighting for 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Mind you, there are only a few races left in the season calendar. To make things even more interesting, Formula 1 organizers have made a last-minute change to the calendar.

On November 19 to 21, F1 will head to Qatar and race at the Losail International Circuit. It's the first time the nation will host a Formula 1 race, and it will be the 20th race of the season. The Qatar Grand Prix's inclusion in the calendar will create a three-part Middle Eastern ending to the 2021 season. It will be followed by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on December 3 to 5 and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 10 to 12.

The Losail International Circuit is often associated with two-wheel racing, such as the MotoGP series. It's been part of the MotoGP calendar since 2004, and soon it will play host to Formula 1.

“We are very pleased to welcome Qatar to the Formula 1 calendar this season and for the longer term from 2023. The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Authorities have been incredible and have moved at great speed to ensure the race can take place this season at the Losail Circuit, famous to many as the host of MotoGP,” said F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The Qatar Grand Prix won't be a one-time thing for the 2021 season. The country has signed a 10-year deal to host Formula 1 from 2023 onwards.

By the looks of it, the 5.38 km Losail Circuit has a simple layout. Still, we hope the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix will be an exciting one.