2023 Formula One Season Update: Qatar Grand Prix Beckons

2023 Formula One Season Update: Qatar Grand Prix Beckons

As the 2023 Formula One season unfolds, 16 out of the 22 scheduled races have already made their mark, with the recent Japanese Grand Prix now in the record books.

Countdown to the Qatar Grand Prix: 17th Race of the Season

The Qatar Grand Prix is next on the racing calendar and is set to take place at the Losail Circuit on Sunday, 8 October.

Formula One enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for the action to resume.

Race Day Schedule

The race is scheduled to begin with the lights going out at 19:00 (SA time), promising an evening of intense competition.

A Brief Reminder

It’s worth noting that the Qatar Grand Prix was not held in 2022 due to the FIFA World Cup hosted by the country.

However, the race in 2021 marked the first-ever Formula One event in Qatar, with Lewis Hamilton clinching victory in a Mercedes.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (Alpine) secured the second and third spots, respectively.

Qatar Grand Prix Times

Here’s a breakdown of the event schedule in South African time:

Friday, 6 October:

• Practice 1: 15:30 – 16:30
• Qualifying: 19:00 – 20:00

Saturday, 7 October:

• Sprint shootout: 15:00 – 15:44
• Sprint: 19:30 – 20:30

Sunday, 8 October:

• Main race: 19:00

Current World Championship Standings

As the season progresses, here are the latest standings in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships:

Drivers’ Standings:

1. Max Verstappen (NED) – 400 pts
2. Sergio Perez (MEX) – 223 pts
3. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) – 190 pts
4. Fernando Alonso (ESP) – 174 pts
5. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) – 150 pts
6. Charles Leclerc (MON) – 135 pts
7. Lando Norris (GBR) – 115 pts
8. George Russell (GBR) – 115 pts
9. Oscar Piastri (AUS) – 57 pts
10. Lance Stroll (CAN) – 47 pts
11. Pierre Gasly (FRA) – 46 pts
12. Esteban Ocon (FRA) – 38 pts
13. Alexander Albon (THA) – 21 pts
14. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) – 9 pts
15. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) – 6 pts
16. Zhou Guanyu (CHN) – 4 pts
17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) – 3 pts
18. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) – 3 pts
19. Liam Lawson (NZL) – 2 pts

Constructors’ Standings:

1. Red Bull – 623 pts
2. Mercedes – 305 pts
3. Ferrari – 285 pts
4. Aston Martin – 221 pts
5. McLaren – 172 pts
6. Alpine – 84 pts
7. Williams – 21 pts
8. Haas – 12 pts
9. Alfa Romeo – 10 pts
10. AlphaTauri – 5 pts

These standings reflect the current state of the Formula One season as it progresses towards the Qatar Grand Prix.