The inaugural event in 2021 came towards the end of the thrilling campaign as the title battle intensity between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen ramped up.
Since then F1’s cars have changed dramatically, with the new generation of ground effect machinery having little in common with the older era of machines.
But if teams had hoped to be able to fall back on some old data to help them out ahead of this weekend’s race, they will be disappointed – because the circuit is effectively considered to be brand new.
That is because circuit bosses have totally revamped the venue. Beyond the new pits and paddock complex, of more importance to teams and drivers is the work that has been completed on the circuit.
As the FIA pointed out in its official preview notes for the weekend, the first major resurfacing work since the venue opened in 2004, allied to other changes, have made a big difference.
It said: “The entire track has been resurfaced and all the kerbs, run-off areas, guardrails and fences have been replaced since the previous event.
“Given the extensive nature of the changes made, to all intents and purposes, it is considered to be a new circuit.”
While F1 teams are can cope with such venue changes on race weekends, the ‘new’ Lusail adds an extra layer of complication on a weekend when they already face many headaches in how they approach things.
Source: Autosport