Since bagging a long-term slot on F1’s calendar the Losail circuit has spawned several new grandstands. Fans aren’t exactly spoiled for choice — there are still only five in total — but these much-needed additions will make a big difference to the fan experience. You might wonder which grandstands are worth the money and which to avoid. So let’s dive in and take a look at what’s on offer. 

The main grandstand at Losail is right in the heart of the circuit and unrivalled for atmosphere but has never been a great vantage point for spectators.

The view is limited to what’s in front of you — it’s a long straight, and there’s no way you’ll be able to see first or last corners. Then, even the highest rows are still too low to see anything over the top of the pit complex.

To make matters worse, the distance from the seats to the pit boxes is unusually large. While I haven’t actually got my tape measure out and measured it, it definitely seems more than at other circuits.

That said, these are still the best (well, only) seats from which you can see the pit crews at work, the race build-up on the grid, podium celebrations and interviews in Parc Ferme.

The view here will vary depending on which block of the grandstand your seats are in. Zones A and B (closest to the final corner) give fans a view of the pit entry, pit stops and the podium ceremony.

At the other end of the grandstand, zones E and F are the best seats to see the pre-race grid and starting ceremonies.

In the centre, meanwhile, seats in zones C and D have views of the pit stops as well as the pre-race grid and podium ceremonies.

Other benefits of the Main Grandstand are that these seats are reserved. Knowing you have a seat with your number on can be good. If you’re in a large group and you’re booking together, you’re likely to be seated together. And if you’re flying solo, it’s nice to be able to go in search of refreshments and know your seat will be waiting for you when you return.

What’s more, this is the only grandstand at the Qatar circuit which is partially covered, though, given that this is a night race that is of limited value. You won’t be spending hours baking under the Qatari sun, and a rain shower here is unlikely.

So if these perks matter to you, then the main grandstand might be for you. Otherwise, give the main grandstand a miss this time. You’ll save a bit of moolah and get to feast your eyes on some actual racing from one of the circuit’s better grandstands.

The North Grandstand in Qatar lies between the Main Grandstand and turn 1, opposite the pitlane exit. The grandstand’s key selling point is its view of the start. With the start/finish line within sight, fans sitting here are pretty much guaranteed an exciting view come lights out on race day.

What about the rest of the time, though? Turn 1 is still a long way off from here and not visible from the North Grandstand. That makes it a basic view of the straight. Seeing F1 cars at speed always delivers a thrill but does become monotonous over time.

That incredible sight of the start might be enough to make this worthwhile for some fans. The North Grandstand is something of a one-trick pony though and one of the least impressive grandstand options in Qatar.

The first sequence of corners at the Losail circuit has proven to be where most of the action takes place. Most overtaking occurs in turns 1 and 2, with tussles continuing up to turn 4.

Wrapped around the interior of turn 2 in a V shape, the two sides of the grandstand offer entirely different views. From the turn 1 facing side, fans have a great view of the pack exiting from turn 1 and funnelling into turn 2.

The other end of the grandstand meanwhile has views of the cars as they round turn 2 and race off towards turn 3, with more distant views to the interior of the track.

Given the freestyle seating (seats aren’t reserved), this ‘two views for the price of one’ grandstand makes for an enticing offer. Try sitting in the corner entry end of the grandstand, and when you’re ready for something different, go and find a free seat in the other part of the stand.

New for 2023, the aptly named Turn 3 Grandstand on the exterior of the track at turn 3 has proven to be a decent choice for fans at the Losail circuit. The stretch from turn 3 to 4 has seen some wheel-to-wheel action in the past.

The new grandstand features a view of the entry and exit to the medium-speed turn 3 and the run down to turn 4. There is also the chance to see the pack at a distance as they make their way around parts of the infield.

Perhaps the greatest drawback of the T3 Grandstand though is not the view but the location. This grandstand is the furthest point to the FanZone behind the Main Grandstand, meaning some potentially long walks in the Qatar heat.

Another imaginatively named grandstand, the T16 Grandstand, is at turn 16 in the exterior of the corner. It’s a position that should provide fans with a broad view of both the approach to the corner and the exit onto the main straight. What’s more, the pitlane entrance will be visible, so fans here will be the first to know of any race strategy calls.

Given the nature of the final corner, it’s unlikely to produce the kind of action seen in turns 1 to 4, and that has certainly proven to be the case in previous races. This will, however, be a crucial corner for drivers to get right as they power onto the main straight.

Lusail Hill (General Admission)

A general admission ticket in Qatar offers great value and is well worth considering, even if you have the budget for a grandstand. Just bear in mind that you won’t have the variety of views that GA offers at many other circuits. While there are limited viewing platforms around the circuit it’s the views from Lusail Hill of turn 1 that make these tickets worth snapping up. 

But what a view it is. Though the large run-off area means the track can feel distant that’s made up for by the generous elevation. The steep incline with neatly placed terraces makes Lussail Hill feel almost grandstand-like, even if having a real seat is a luxury you’ll have to forgo. 

Considering what an action-packed part of the track this is, it’s easily one of the best vantage points at the circuit. With the budget-friendly price tag that’s a fraction of the cost of some pretty mediocre grandstands, it’s easy to recommend general admission at the Qatar Grand Prix.