Qatar Airways’ CEO Welcomes Formula 1 To Doha

Lights out, and away we go… Qatar Airways is gearing up for this weekend’s Formula 1 Grand Prix 2023 in spectacular Qatar Airways fashion.

Earlier today, airline executives, cabin crew members, and Qatari officials welcomed the BWT Alpine F1 Team and F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH). Among the delegation were racers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, as well as Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

Ready, racers?

Qatar Airways, which is sponsoring the event this weekend, has already rung in its support for the popular motorsport by adding a special F1 livery on one of its Boeing 777-300ERs, featured in the carrier’s most recent F1 photo op.

In a statement, Al Baker noted Qatar Airways enthusiasm for its ongoing partnership with F1 and the Qatari Grand Prix, adding,

“This momentous Grand Prix marks a thrilling addition to Qatar’s sporting legacy and embodies the excitement and excellence that Qatar Airways has consistently delivered to its passengers and partners travelling globally to sporting events. We cannot wait to witness history in the making as the Qatar Grand Prix unfolds in our country.”

Photo: Qatar Airways

The airline first partnered with F1 earlier this year, taking over from Emirates as F1’s official airline partner just as the Gulf state scooped up a 10-year Grand Prix race contract for its Lusail circuit.

This weekend’s schedule will see drivers from Europe and America’s largest teams compete in the 17th round of the 2023 World Championship. Friday will launch with practices and qualifying races, while Saturday will see the Spring Shootout and Sprint races before the final on Sunday evening.

Lusail’s last Grand Prix in 2021 saw Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton take first place; however, Red Bull golden boy Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris are tipped by commentators to take the podium in Qatar this year.

Photo: S Kozakiewicz I Shutterstock

The race will be available to watch onboard Qatar Airways services via its Oryx One in-flight entertainment system (IFE), with the airline offering an à la carte menu developed for the occasion.

Sporting ventures

Qatar Airways is set to sponsor three F1 races this year and serve as Alpine F1’s official airline partner. Announced last month, the Franco-British team will display the carrier’s branding across its helmets and caps through the season and back this year’s race in Qatar.

Alpine’s VP of Sponsoring, Partnership, and Communications, David Gendry, celebrated the collaboration between the team and Qatar Airways, emphasising their shared sustainability goals and reach to fans. Gendry explained,

“Both Alpine and Qatar Airways share the common objectives of a sustainable future and the use of sustainable fuels, in line with Formula 1’s goal of becoming net zero by 2030. We look forward to a close collaboration.”

Alongside F1, Qatar Airways has been a noted supporter of various sports, ranging from rugby and football to tennis, equestrianism, and triathlons, as part of Qatar’s Vision 2030. According to Italian media, the airline is rumoured to be gearing up for a new sponsorship with Italian football favorites Inter Milan.

Are you heading to Doha with Qatar Airways this weekend? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: Autosport, La Gazzetta dello Sport