By Sir Daniel David | Photography by Sir Daniel David
The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit is the penultimate race of the season and the final Sprint weekend. Given the state of the championships, this race is set to be a spectacular and high stakes event.
Here are the top 10 things you need to know:
- The Drivers’ Title Fight Reaches Boiling Point
The battle for the 2025 Drivers’ World Championship is now a three way fight. Lando Norris (McLaren) leads, but the dramatic double disqualification of both McLarens in the previous race has brought Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) level on points, just 24 points behind Norris. The title could potentially be decided this weekend.
- Mandatory Two Stop Race due to Tyre Limits
Due to the abrasive, high speed nature of the Lusail circuit, Pirelli has implemented a strict 25 lap maximum usage limit for every set of slick tyres across the entire weekend. Since the Grand Prix is 57 laps long, this effectively mandates a minimum two stop strategy for every driver, guaranteeing a dynamic race with pit stops.
- Final Sprint Weekend of the Season
Qatar is the sixth and final Sprint weekend of the 2025 season. This means there is only one hour of practice (FP1) before the competitive sessions begin.
Friday: FP1 and Sprint Qualifying.
Saturday: The Sprint Race (19 laps) and Grand Prix Qualifying.
Sunday: The main Grand Prix (57 laps).
- High Likelihood of a Safety Car
Historical data shows a 67% probability of both a Safety Car and a Virtual Safety Car deployment. This high likelihood is due to the high speed layout and unforgiving gravel traps on the circuit. An interruption could completely reshape the strategy, especially with the strict tyre limits.
- Lusail is a High Energy, High Degradation Track
The 5.419 km, 16 corner circuit is characterised by long, sweeping, medium to high speed corners. This subjects the tyres, particularly the front left, to extremely high lateral and thermal stress, leading to the tyre degradation issues that necessitated the 25 lap usage limit.
- Max Verstappen’s Strong Form
Despite being behind in the standings, Max Verstappen comes into the weekend in supreme form, having won the last two editions of the Qatar Grand Prix (2023, 2024). Red Bull’s car historically performs well on high load, high speed circuits like Lusail.
- Key Advantage for McLaren in the Race for the Title
If Lando Norris wins the Grand Prix, he will be crowned the 2025 World Champion, regardless of what Piastri or Verstappen achieve. The pressure is on the McLaren drivers to maximize their points in the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
- Night Race Conditions are Cooler
The Qatar Grand Prix is a spectacular night race, held under floodlights. This means the race takes place in the evening when track and ambient temperatures are significantly lower than during the day. Cooler conditions help manage the tyre degradation, but the speed and lateral G forces remain high.
- New Physical Track Limits in Effect
To address a recurring problem with drivers exceeding track limits in previous years, the FIA has modified the circuit. Expect drivers to be immediately penalised with time loss if they run wide due to the strategic placement of new and extended gravel strips near corner exits.
- Fight for Best of the Rest in the Constructors’ Championship
While McLaren has secured the Constructors’ title, the battle for the remaining positions is tight. Mercedes holds a lead over Red Bull for second place, but only a 13 point gap separates Red Bull and Ferrari for third. Every point from the Sprint and the Grand Prix is critical for the final Constructors’ prize money.
