Norris to the F1 title in Qatar: Preview, Weather and How to Watch the Race

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. The Qatar Grand Prix promises to be a crucial event, with Lando Norris in the fight for the championship.

Norris in the lead

Lando Norris, with a 24-point lead over rivals Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen (tied in points), has the opportunity to secure the championship this weekend. If Norris achieves a 26-point lead or more, he will be crowned champion. The Qatar Grand Prix, held at the Lusail International Circuit, promises to be a challenge. The weather forecast indicates high temperatures and humidity, which will test the drivers. High temperatures could reach 29°C on Friday, decreasing to 27°C on Sunday, with humidity close to 48%.

The fourth edition of the Qatar Grand Prix will be held in 2025. Max Verstappen already has two victories at this circuit.

This week’s highlights

Laurence Edmondson explains the reasons for the disqualification of Norris and Piastri due to excessive wear on their cars. Lewis Hamilton has been urged to “calm down” by Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur following his recent statements about his performance. Christian Horner could take on a leadership role at Aston Martin. How likely is it? Doriane Pin, a Mercedes driver, was crowned champion of the F1 Academy, surpassing Ferrari’s Maya Weug. For a more in-depth analysis, listen to the latest episode of the F1 podcast.

This is the championship

Lando Norris leads the standings with 390 points, followed by Piastri and Verstappen, both with 366 points.

Norris (390 pts) – 17 podiums, 7 victories
Piastri (366 pts) – 14 podiums, 7 victories
Verstappen (366 pts) – 13 podiums, 6 victories.

Drivers’ standings

Lando Norris leads his rivals, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, by 24 points.

The Lusail Circuit

The Lusail International Circuit, with its fast and challenging design, is a key venue in the F1 calendar. Inaugurated in 2021, this circuit has proven to be an exciting addition to Formula 1.

Key data:

• Circuit: Lusail International Circuit; Lusail, Qatar
• First F1 race: 2021
• Lap record: 1:22.384, Lando Norris (2024)
• Laps: 57 laps of 5.4km
• Most wins: Verstappen (2023, 2024). Hamilton (2021)
• Poles: Hamilton (2021), Verstappen (2023), George Russell (2024)

The circuit is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, which, along with the heat and humidity, poses a challenge for both cars and drivers.

Last year, Verstappen achieved a victory in a race with several incidents.

Who will win?

The Qatar circuit could favor McLaren. However, the unpredictability of the season leads us to bet on Verstappen, who could take the championship to the last race in Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari has dropped to fourth place in the constructors’ standings.

Grand Prix Schedule

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