The title fight is over, but the Qatar Grand Prix 2026 might be the most relaxed, fun F1 weekend the Gulf gets all year. Kimi Antonelli sealed the drivers’ championship in Mexico City on 1 November, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport’s history at 20. Mercedes then wrapped up the constructors’ title in São Paulo a week later. So when the cars line up at Lusail on Sunday 29 November, nobody is racing for the crown. They’re racing to win.
For fans in the UAE, that is good news. Lusail is a short flight away, the cheapest ticket costs less than a decent dinner in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi hosts the season finale just one week later. Here is everything you need for the Qatar GP weekend, from times in UAE hours to the ticket that most people miss.
Quick answer: The Qatar Grand Prix 2026 runs from 27 to 29 November at Lusail International Circuit, north of Doha. The 57-lap race starts at 7pm Qatar time on Sunday, which is 8pm in the UAE. Three-day tickets start at QAR 600 for Lusail Hill general admission, and a Friday-only pass costs QAR 200.
Qatar Grand Prix 2026 timings in Qatar and UAE time
Qatar is one hour behind the UAE, which catches people out every year when they’re watching from home. Here are the main F1 sessions from the official Formula 1 timetable:
| Session | Day | Qatar time | UAE time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Fri 27 Nov | 4:30pm | 5:30pm |
| Practice 2 | Fri 27 Nov | 8:00pm | 9:00pm |
| Practice 3 | Sat 28 Nov | 5:30pm | 6:30pm |
| Qualifying | Sat 28 Nov | 9:00pm | 10:00pm |
| Drivers’ parade | Sun 29 Nov | 5:00pm | 6:00pm |
| Grand Prix (57 laps) | Sun 29 Nov | 7:00pm | 8:00pm |
It is a normal weekend this time, with no sprint. Formula 2 runs alongside, with its sprint race on Saturday evening and the feature race on Sunday afternoon. The timetable is still subject to change.
Qatar GP 2026 ticket prices
These are the current three-day prices listed by Lusail International Circuit, the official seller:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission, Lusail Hill (Friday only) | QAR 200 |
| General Admission, Lusail Hill (3 days) | QAR 600 |
| Turn 2 or Turn 16 Grandstand | QAR 1,000 |
| North Grandstand | QAR 1,500 |
| Main Grandstand | QAR 2,000 |
| Lusail Hill Lounge (hospitality) | QAR 10,946 |
| Novikov at Premiere Hospitality | QAR 16,421 |
| F1 Experiences Champions Club | QAR 19,925 |
The F1 Paddock Club sold out back in August, and one section of the Main Grandstand has already gone. Buy only through the circuit’s own site or the official F1 ticket store. Resale listings on social media are where most ticket scams start.
What your ticket includes
This is where Lusail beats a lot of other races. According to the circuit, every ticket includes entry to the Fanzone, the food court, the post-race concerts and the merchandise outlets. It also covers the free shuttle service, free parking and a dedicated taxi drop-off and pick-up zone. Parking alone costs serious money at some European races.
Read More: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026: Dates, Race Time, Ticket Prices, Concerts and Getting There
Why the Friday pass is the smart buy
The QAR 200 Friday ticket gets you both practice sessions, plus the Fanzone and the evening atmosphere, for roughly AED 200. Second practice runs under the floodlights at 8pm, at the same time of evening as the race, so you see the cars at full speed in race conditions. If you’re not sure you can do a whole weekend in Doha, this is the cheapest way to hear an F1 car in person.
Getting to Lusail from the UAE
- Flights: Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha is a short hop of about an hour. Fares rise sharply on race weekend, so book now.
- Entry: check your visa eligibility for Qatar before booking. The rules depend on your nationality and UAE residency.
- To the circuit: Lusail International Circuit is in Al Wusail, north of central Doha. Use the free shuttles or the taxi zone rather than trying to park late on Sunday.
- Bring: a light jacket for after sunset, earplugs and a power bank. Night races mean long days.
If you hold a Qatar visa already, you can check your Qatar visa status online before you fly.
The Gulf double: Qatar and Abu Dhabi in eight days
Lusail is the penultimate round, and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closes the season from 4 to 6 December. That means UAE residents can do two Formula 1 races in eight days without a long-haul flight. One plan that works well is a Friday pass at Lusail for a taste of the action, followed by the full weekend on Yas Island.
Read More: F1 Abu Dhabi 2026: Yasalam After-Race Concerts, Anyma After-Party and Everything You Need to Know
Pro Tip: Lusail Hill general admission has no reserved seat, so arrive early on Sunday and claim your spot on the slope before the drivers’ parade at 5pm. Bring something soft to sit on.
Our Take
A race with the title already settled sounds like a dead rubber, but these are often the best weekends to attend. Drivers take more risks when there’s nothing to protect, and Antonelli’s first Gulf race as champion will draw a big crowd. Add a QAR 200 entry ticket and free parking, and Lusail is the best-value F1 weekend in the region this year.
FAQs
When is the Qatar Grand Prix 2026?
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2026 at Lusail International Circuit. The race starts at 7pm Qatar time on 29 November.
What time is the Qatar GP in the UAE?
8pm UAE time on Sunday 29 November. Qualifying is at 10pm UAE time on Saturday.
How much are Qatar Grand Prix tickets?
Three-day general admission on Lusail Hill costs QAR 600, and a Friday-only pass costs QAR 200. Grandstands range from QAR 1,000 to QAR 2,000.
Is there a sprint race at the Qatar GP in 2026?
No. The 2026 Qatar Grand Prix follows the standard format with three practice sessions, qualifying and the race.
Who won the 2026 F1 championship?
Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes clinched the drivers’ title in Mexico City on 1 November. Mercedes also won the constructors’ championship in São Paulo.
