The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming to an end! After last week’s exciting Grand Prix, with McLaren’s disqualification, the excitement is at its peak. This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix could crown Lando Norris as champion, or the definition could extend to the last race in Abu Dhabi.
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Norris vs. Verstappen and Piastri: The Fight for the Championship
Lando Norris arrives in Qatar with a 24-point lead 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, the tension is palpable. Norris will secure the championship if he finishes the weekend with a 26-point or greater lead, which means surpassing Piastri and Verstappen by two or more points in the sprint races and the Grand Prix. Here are the results of the first three:- Norris (390 pts) – 17 podiums, 7 victories
- Piastri (366 pts) – 14 podiums, 7 victories
- Verstappen (366 pts) – 13 podiums, 6 victories
Weather Forecast: Extreme Heat in Qatar
The Qatar Grand Prix is characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The drivers will face challenges related to the heat, similar to what happens in Singapore. The temperature is expected to reach 29°C on Friday, decreasing to 27°C on Sunday, with humidity levels around 48%.
This Week’s Highlights
Laurence Edmondson explains the reasons for the disqualification of Norris and Piastri due to excessive wear on their cars. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur asks Lewis Hamilton to “calm down” after his recent criticisms. Christian Horner could take on a leadership role at Aston Martin. Doriane Pin, from Mercedes, won the F1 Academy title, surpassing Ferrari’s Maya Weug. For more analysis, listen to the latest episode of the F1 podcast.The Lusail Circuit: History and Statistics
The Lusail circuit, which entered the F1 calendar in 2021, is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, as well as the heat and humidity that make it demanding for the drivers.Key data:
- Circuit: Lusail International Circuit; Lusail, Qatar
- First F1 race: 2021
- Lap record: 1:22.384, Lando Norris (2024)
- Laps: 57 laps of 5.4 km
- Most wins: Verstappen (2023, 2024). Hamilton (2021) is the other winner.
- Poles: Hamilton (2021), Verstappen (2023), George Russell (2024)
It takes time to concentrate and find the rhythm, but overall, it’s a very fun circuit to drive
Sebastian Vettel
What Happened Last Year?
Max Verstappen achieved 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?
Qatar could favor McLaren, but the unpredictability of the season suggests otherwise. We bet on Max Verstappen to win in Qatar and take the championship to the last race in Abu Dhabi.
Qatar Grand Prix Schedule (GMT)
Here are the weekend session times (GMT). 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
