F1 schedule: When is the next F1 race and where is it being held?

Henry Valantine 24 Sep 2023 7:30 AM

The F1 schedule is more packed than ever, with a joint-record calendar in place for 2023 before the season expands even further for 2024.

With races taking place all over the world and at a higher rate than ever, it can sometimes be hard to keep up with the world of Formula 1 and where on Earth the sport is ending up next.

But fear not, we have you covered with what is coming next and which races are left in the Formula 1 season.

Which race is next on the F1 schedule?

Round 18: Qatar Grand Prix

After the Singapore-Japan double-header, Formula 1 will return with the second ever running of the Qatar Grand Prix.

Its one-off appearance in 2021 was followed by the announcement of a 10-year deal that begins in 2023, with the layout proving popular with drivers despite initial worries about it being predominantly a motorcycle circuit beforehand.

A night race, hefty expansion work is being undertaken at the Lusail International Circuit to bring the circuit’s capacity from what was 8,000 people to over 50,000 for this race weekend.

Drivers enjoyed the challenge of the Lusail International Circuit last time around, and the track is here to stay on the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future.

After Max Verstappen took victory in Japan, Red Bull wrapped up the Constructors’ Championship and Verstappen will be able to wrap up the Drivers’ crown in Qatar, if circumstances go his way.

When is the Qatar Grand Prix?

The Qatar Grand Prix will take place on the weekend of 6-8 October 2023, with the race due to start on Sunday 8 October at 8pm local time [6pm BST].

Where is the Qatar Grand Prix?

A mainstay on the MotoGP calendar since its opened in 2004, the Lusail International Circuit was added to the Formula 1 schedule in 2021 as the sport looked to fill in a Covid-19 interrupted calendar.

The style of flowing, open corners made for a fast layout in Formula 1 cars, and one that rewards bravery among the drivers.

A 1km start/finish straight makes for a prime overtaking opportunity, and run from the exit of Turn 10 all the way through to Turn 16 is full of high-speed corners, making a significant driving challenge.

Is the Qatar Grand Prix an F1 Sprint weekend?

Yes, the adjusted Sprint schedule will be in place at Lusail in Qatar, with FP1 and qualifying taking place on Friday 6 October, before the self-encompassed Sprint day on Saturday 7 October and the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday 8 October.

A reminder that the results from qualifying on Friday will set the grid for Sunday’s race, while the Sprint Shootout on Saturday will set the grid for the shortened Sprint later on Saturday itself.

PlanetF1.com recommends

F1 2024 driver line-up: Who is confirmed for next season’s grid?

Revealed: The contract status of every single race on the F1 2023 calendar

What are the F1 session times for the Qatar Grand Prix?

[All times local, UK time in brackets]

Friday 6 October

FP1: 4.30pm-5.30pm [2.30pm-3.30pm]

Qualiying: 8pm-9pm [6pm-7pm]

Saturday 7 October

Sprint Shootout: 4pm-4.44pm [2pm-2.44pm]

Sprint: 8.30pm [6.30pm] [19 laps or 60 minutes]

Sunday 8 October

Race: 8pm [6pm] [57 laps or 120 minutes]

Which races remain on the 2023 F1 schedule?

Round 19: United States Grand Prix, 20-22 October
Round 20: Mexico City Grand Prix, 27-29 October
Round 21: Sao Paulo Grand Prix, 3-5 November
Round 22: Las Vegas Grand Prix, 16-18 November
Round 23: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 24-26 November

*Round 6, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, was cancelled, leaving a 22-race season within Formula 1’s 23 rounds.