Michael Ladejobi
The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix arrives at a critical moment in the Formula 1 season, with a three-way title fight set to intensify under the Lusail International Circuit floodlights.
After the dramatic double disqualification for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for excessive plank wear in Las Vegas, McLaren’s star man still leads the championship on 390 points.
His margin at the top however has been slashed to just 24 points over both Piastri and Max Verstappen, who are now tied on 366. With 58 points available across Qatar’s Sprint weekend and the Abu Dhabi finale, the battle remains wide open.
Qatar has quickly become one of F1’s most influential late-season venues since its debut in 2021, hosting the Sprint in each of the past two years. The 100km dash has been a happy hunting ground for Oscar Piastri, who claimed his first Formula 1 victory in the 2023 Sprint and repeated his strong form again in 2024.
But over the full Grand Prix distance, Verstappen has been the benchmark, winning the main event in both 2023 and 2024, adding to a second-place finish in 2021.
The 5.419km Lusail circuit, dominated by medium-speed corners and flowing sequences, places huge emphasis on downforce and tyre management.
Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer notes that “it’s not a huge braking circuit… The kerbs can be quite punishing, so drivers will need to be careful, but the night-race conditions do help tyre temperatures.” Strategy will be key, especially with Qatar’s traditionally high tyre wear and strong 67% Safety Car probability.
Tensions are also rising off-track. Verstappen has warned Piastri that he risks “labelling himself a number two driver” if he compromises his own hopes to support Norris’ title charge , a pointed remark that adds an extra edge to their McLaren team dynamic.
Beyond the title fight, Mercedes will arrive with momentum in the Constructors’ standings, holding a 40-point advantage over Red Bull, while a fierce midfield contest sees just 22 points separating Racing Bulls in P6 from Kick Sauber in P9.
With recent form, championship pressure, and Sprint-weekend unpredictability all converging, Qatar promises to play a decisive role in shaping the 2025 world champion.
Friday November 28
11.05am: F2 Practice
1pm: Qatar GP Practice (session starts at 1.30pm)
3.30pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
4.05pm: F2 Qualifying
4.50pm: Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 5.30pm)
Saturday November 29
1pm: Qatar GP Sprint build-up
2pm: Qatar GP Sprint starts
4.15pm: F2 Sprint
5.15pm: Qatar GP Qualifying build-up
6pm: Qatar GP main race qualifying
Sunday November 30
2.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Qatar GP build-up
4pm: Qatar Grand Prix race starts
