10-year deal to host F1 in Qatar kicks off, but country's laws still a touchy subject

• Formula 1 returns to Qatar for the second time after the inaugural race in 2021.
• Qatar remains under scrutiny for its discriminatory laws, but Lewis Hamilton believes F1 should help bring about change.
• Hamilton won the 2021 race around the Lusail International Circuit.
• For more sports news, go to the News24 Sport front page.

It's race week and Formula 1 returns to Qatar for a dash around the Lusail International Circuit.

Having debuted in 2021, the Qatar Grand Prix proved to be a success, with the FIA and FOM (Formula One Management) signing a 10-year deal with the race organisers to return to the country, starting in 2023.

Because of the 2022 Soccer World Cup, Qatar was not on last year's calendar.

Sure, the sport could have planned to host it elsewhere in the year, but the desert state's soaring temperatures would not have made it ideal. This time of year is best.

2021 Qatar Grand Prix

Getty Images Mark Thompson

About the track

Located just outside Doha, Qatar's capital, the Lusail International Circuit hosted its first big international racing event in 2004 when it hosted MotoGP. Completed in just over 12 months, the 5.4 km circuit's fast and flowing nature was designed primarily for two-wheel racing.

The race is run over 57 laps for a total race distance of 308.611 km.

From Turns 1 to 16, the track is riddled with twists and turns, with the main straight between Turns 16 and 1 'hosting' the only DRS zone on the lap. This 1km straight will also provide drivers with the best chance of an overtake into Turn 1.

Sadly, while the race presents good action, Qatar is under immense pressure to address discriminatory laws, particularly against women, and the toxic patriarchal system. 

Addressing these issues and more ahead of the 2021 race, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton said: "We're aware there are issues in these places that we're going to. But, of course [Qatar] seems to be deemed as one of the worst in this part of the world.

"As sports go to these places, they are duty-bound to raise awareness for these issues. These places need scrutiny. Equal rights is a serious issue.

"It's down to whether you decide to educate yourself and hold the sport more accountable and make sure the sport is actually doing something when they go to those places."

These discriminatory laws are yet to change.