Vinay Nayudu
Doha
From Formula One drivers to teams to officials to media and to fans – all were left wowed by the impeccable organization of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 by the Lusail International Circuit (LIC) and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) over the weekend.
Be it the thrilling adrenaline charging action on the track or family entertainment, fan zones, or the music concerts, the second-last stop of this F1 season at Lusail was simply enthralling.
The total spectator attendance at LIC over three days was a staggering 154,973!
Qatar’s LIC had made a telling debut on the F1 map last year but there were a few niggling issues as the circuit was ramped up, a new paddock area with some new administrative blocks, and VVIP areas. Following an extensive renovation in 2023, the LIC now boasts increased seating capacity, new viewing zones for fans, lush green spaces, more parking and larger pit boxes.
And this year, the organizers just delivered a magnificent Qatar Grand Prix 2024 with a festival like atmosphere with luxury and professionalism underlining the occasion.
The first of praises came from the F1 drivers themselves with Lando Norris of McLaren after taking the pole position for the sprint race in Friday’s qualifying termed the LIC track as the fastest of the year. "It’s tough, it’s so quick around here. It feels like the quickest circuit of the year. The final sector, you are just hanging on,” Norris had remarked.
While that was an endorsement for the great technical work that went into the making of a great Qatar F1 GP, outside in the paddock, the clubhouse, Lusail Hill for the public and in the general seating areas people were effusive in their appreciation of a super sport event combined with all comforts.
Qatar’s legendary athlete Mutaz Essa Barshim termed the event as a ‘festival’. "It’s a like a festival, the whole atmosphere is so riveting,” he said.
When asked what makes Qatar different from other F1 venues, the Olympic star said, "Firstly, the weather now is so lovely, then the comfort for all is something that makes people love being in Qatar for F1.”
Among the many fans from the world was Nina from The Netherlands who was wowed by the passion for sports in Qatar. "It’s amazing,” said Nina while battling the breeze near one of the Grandstand at LIC. "I am huge F1 fan so I decided to spend time on my own and so I came down here for 5 days all on my own,” she said.
Nine, who works for a government organization back home, further said, "I’ve been to F1 earlier in Melbourne in 2017 and it was great. But since I hadn’t been to any races and it’s been too long so that’s why I needed to go.”
But she chose Qatar? "I chose Qatar because back home it’s very cold at this time and I was hoping for a lot of warm weather but it’s freezing here right now. But it’s definitely chill time for the fans here.
"People here are really nice and it’s a lovely country. It’s great to see everything around here and I even skipped the free practice to see around Doha. It’s also a very clean country and I am really enjoying my time here so far. And the Lusail Hill provides for a great view for the spectators.
"And also, there’s going to be a big party after the F1 Grand Prix, the Maroon 5 concert. Just can’t wait for it!” she signed off.
F1 merchandise flew off the shelves as fans queued up on all days to buy their favourite team shirts and more. "Woof, this place is awesomely crazy. And it’s windy and cold. I had to shell out 500 Qatari Riyals for this (Lewis) Hamilton shirt to keep myself warm. But I don’t mind it. I waited a full year to be here on this day, even if only for one day,” said Vabindra Bimasvara from Jakarta, who works for Qatar Duty Free and has been in the country since the last six months.
"My dream has come true. Despite being a crazy F1 fan and I hadn’t watched it up so close. I saw the cars racing in and making the turns from near the Lusail Hill. It was just crazy,” he gushed.
Families with kids in tow too had a great time with many swinging to the tunes of music even as they spent some time waiting for the queues to clear while buying food. Children were busy from getting their faces painted to making selfies with the F1 cars.
Clearly, the entertainment was unlimited and the F1 races mind blowing. Kudos to the organizers for making Qatar a special destination for motorsports.
Fans can now hardly wait for the Qatar MotoGP scheduled for April 2025!