F1’s closing triple-header sequence of 2025 continues with the Qatar Grand Prix night time race. Must Know is your all-in-one information for the weekend by way of numerous statistics, driving pointers, technique ideas and extra.
With the Dash format in play for a closing time this 12 months, FP1 and Dash Qualifying will happen on Friday, November 28, adopted by the Dash and Qualifying on Saturday, November 29, and the Grand Prix itself on Sunday, December 30.
The driving force’s verdict
Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver: Qatar is stuffed with medium-speed corners and flowing sections. On condition that it’s not an enormous braking circuit, it’s nearly discovering the optimum downforce degree for the automotive.
There’s one good overtaking alternative, and that comes down the prolonged begin/end straight.
The kerbs will be fairly punishing, so drivers will have to be cautious there, however conversely, because it’s an evening race, that may assist the tyres just a little bit in comparison with the afternoon warmth.
Tyre and technique perception
“In Qatar, a restrict shall be launched for the variety of laps that every set of tyres can cowl over the course of the entire race weekend,” reads Pirelli’s weekend preview.
“The choice, taken in settlement with the FIA and Formulation 1 and mentioned in common conferences with the groups, is confirmed by Pirelli by way of the same old technical doc containing occasion particular prescriptions despatched out two weeks prior to every Grand Prix.
“Each set of tyres provided to the groups initially of the race weekend can cowl a most of 25 laps of the Lusail observe, which could be very demanding on tyres when it comes to power, thermal stress and put on.
“The laps shall be counted cumulatively throughout all observe classes, together with laps run beneath the Security Automobile or Digital Security Automobile. Laps to the grid and formation laps and people accomplished after the chequered flag within the Dash and the Grand Prix won’t be included within the rely.
“Because the Qatar Grand Prix is run over 57 laps, every driver will inevitably have to vary tyres no less than twice. Earlier than the beginning of the Grand Prix, Pirelli will inform the groups what number of laps are nonetheless accessible for every set.
“This measure has been deemed essential, following evaluation of the tyres utilized in 2024. Final 12 months, a number of tyres, notably the left entrance, had reached the utmost put on degree. These circumstances, mixed with the excessive lateral power had elevated the structural fatigue of the development.”
Present kind
Las Vegas introduced an enormous twist within the 2025 title race, with Lando Norris initially transferring one step nearer to securing the crown, just for each McLarens to be disqualified post-race over excessive plank wear.
Had Norris stored his P2 end, he would have been 30 factors away from group mate Oscar Piastri and 42 forward of Purple Bull rival Max Verstappen going into the ultimate two rounds. As an alternative, he’s a much-reduced 24 factors forward of Verstappen and Piastri, who are actually equal on factors.
With 58 factors nonetheless up for grabs throughout this weekend in Qatar (which options the Dash format) and Abu Dhabi, it’s nonetheless very a lot a three-way combat – and really a lot all to play for.
As touched on above, Verstappen has kind on the Lusail Worldwide Circuit, ending second within the 2021 Grand Prix and triumphing in 2023 and 2024, although McLaren and Piastri have gained the Sprints right here during the last two years.
Whereas there shall be loads of eyes on the Drivers’ Championship, and who out of Norris, Piastri and Verstappen emerges on high, there are equally fierce scraps to be settled by various teams.
Mercedes now maintain the benefit within the race for P2, sitting 40 factors up on Purple Bull and an extra 13 up on Purple Bull, whereas simply 22 factors cowl Racing Bulls in P6 to Kick Sauber in P9.
An extended record of causes to remain tuned to the motion, then, with F1.com available to convey you all of the protection and response from each twist and switch…
Iconic second
As is the case this 12 months, Qatar performed host to the Dash when it made its return to the calendar in 2023 following a one-year hiatus.
The star of the 100km sprint was undoubtedly Oscar Piastri, with the Australian taking pole place for the occasion earlier than making a robust begin off the road.
Whereas he confronted stress from George Russell on the restart following a Security Automobile interval – permitting the Mercedes to finally take the lead – Piastri was the one to profit from a later Security Automobile deployment as he surged again into P1 when the motion resumed.
From there the McLaren man stored his cool in humid circumstances to say his first victory of any variety in Formulation 1.
Relive that eventful Qatar Dash within the video participant under…
