The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming to an end! After last week’s exciting Grand Prix, with McLaren’s disqualification, the excitement is palpable. This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix could crown Lando Norris as champion, or the title definition could extend to the last race in Abu Dhabi.
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Norris in the lead
Norris leads the standings with a 24-point advantage over his rivals, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, who are tied in points. With a maximum of 58 points available in the last two races, including 33 in Qatar because it is a sprint race weekend, Norris will secure the championship if he finishes this weekend with a 26 or more point advantage over his competitors.
Weather Forecast
The weather in the Arabian desert will be hot and possibly humid. Qatar, like Singapore, presents heat-related challenges for the drivers. Highs of 29°C are expected on Friday, decreasing to 27°C on Sunday, with humidity levels around 48%.This week’s highlights
The disqualification of McLaren was explained by Formula 1 expert Laurence Edmondson, who detailed the reasons for the penalty due to excessive wear on Norris and Piastri’s cars. Lewis Hamilton was urged to “calm down” by Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur following his recent criticism of his own performance. Christian Horner could take on a leadership role at Aston Martin. Mercedes took the F1 Academy title, with Doriane Pin as champion. Also, for a more in-depth analysis, don’t miss the latest episode of the F1 podcast.This is the championship
- Lando Norris: 390 points, 17 podiums, 7 wins
- Oscar Piastri: 366 points, 14 podiums, 7 wins
- Max Verstappen: 366 points, 13 podiums, 6 wins
Circuit Data
The Lusail International Circuit, home to the Qatar Grand Prix, was added to the F1 calendar in 2021 with a 10-year contract. The circuit is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, as well as the intense heat and humidity, which poses a challenge for drivers and cars.Qatar Grand Prix
- Circuit: Lusail International Circuit; Lusail, Qatar
- First F1 race: 2021
- Lap record: 1:22.384, Lando Norris (2024)
- Laps: 57 laps of 5.4 km
- Most wins: Verstappen (2023, 2024). Hamilton (2021) is the other winner.
- Poles: Hamilton (2021), Verstappen (2023), George Russell (2024)
“It takes time to focus and find the rhythm, but overall this is a very fun circuit to drive,” commented Sebastian Vettel.
Sebastian Vettel
What happened last year
Last year, Max Verstappen secured a victory in a race with three safety cars and a 10-second penalty for Lando Norris. Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri completed the podium.Who will win?
In theory, Qatar should favor McLaren. However, the unpredictability of the season suggests that the performance guide might not be decisive. We are betting on Max Verstappen, the defending champion, to win in Qatar and take the championship to the last race in Abu Dhabi.
Grand Prix Schedule
Here are the session times in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Local time is (AST) Arabia Standard Time (GMT+3 hours).- Friday:
- Practice: 13:30-14:30 GMT
- Sprint Qualifying: 17:30-18:14 GMT
- Saturday:
- Sprint: 14:00-15:00 GMT
- Qualifying: 18:00-19:00 GMT
- Sunday:
- Race: 16:00 GMT
