The Qatar Grand Prix returns this weekend, and gamers can try out the Lusail International Circuit on F1 23.
After making its debut in 2021, the venue on the outskirts of Doha took a year off the calendar, due to the small matter of the country hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Lusail track is now back on the calendar, and presents a brilliant high-speed challenge for racers on F1 23. Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, defending world champion Max Verstappen has given his pro tips on how to perfect your times on the track.
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F1 23: Max Verstappen breaks down the Qatar Grand Prix circuit
The Lusail International Circuit is one of the highest speed tracks on the 2023 F1 calendar, with only one truly slow speed corner on the entire layout.
With 16 corners and an average speed of over 230km/h, the Qatar Grand Prix track presents a unique challenge - so, who better to break down the challenge than two time world champion Max Verstappen?
The Dutchman could seal his third world title by Saturday afternoon at Lusail, and he gave his top tips on how to tackle the latest track to be added to the official Formula 1 game F1 23.
It's race week once again and who better than @Max33Verstappen to share some expert tips in tackling the Lusail International Circuit 🇶🇦#QatarGP
Pick up #F123 today 👉 https://t.co/MCmq5UqZgT pic.twitter.com/tZIYeL6JIb— EA SPORTS™ F1® (@EASPORTSF1) October 5, 2023
Coming into turn one, you want to brake just after the 100m marker board on the left of the track, before carrying high speed through turns 2-3.
Throughout the Lusail International Circuit, you will want to run the car as wide as you can to the limits of the track - as Verstappen points out, the kerbs are kind, and riding them can lead to significant gains in lap time.
There are few major breaking events around the track, but one comes on the approach to turn four - the Red Bull driver suggests braking just after the 50m board, and hugging the inside of turn five to make maximum use out of the track width.
Into turn six - the only truly slow corner on the track - Verstappen shifts down to second gear, before again running the car out wide and pointing it for a smooth exit up to turn seven.
Setup is crucial at Lusail to ensure that you not only carry maximum speed through the corners, but are not slowed too much along the long main straight. A balanced aero setup will be crucial to achieving this.
Through turns nine and ten, Verstappen stays tight to the kerbs, minimising the lift necessary through ten, before a mid-speed hairpin where you need to prioritise the exit due to the long straight and high speed corners which follow it.
Through 12. 13, and 14, Verstappen leaves the car in seventh gear, again making maximum use out of the kerbs, before downshifting to sixth for the fast left-hander at 15.
Braking for the final corner comes just after the 50m board, with Verstappen taking a tight line to ensure a good exit down the 1km-long main straight.
Verstappen's best lap time on the video is a 1:22.798 - think you can beat that at the Qatar Grand Prix on F1 23?
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