The heat is rising, and so is the tension. The 2025 Qatar Grand Prix is here – presented by OKX – and it’s shaping up to be one of the most dramatic showdowns of the season. As we head into the blazing heart of the Middle East for a sun-drenched, season-defining double-header, one thing is clear: every turn now counts.
The team has one mission – deliver the best possible car for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With twenty-two rounds already behind us and just two left, there’s no room for hesitation. The Lusail International Circuit offers a wide, high-speed layout perfect for pushing the limits. Expect full-throttle action, bold overtakes, and strategy battles that could decide everything.
To set the stage for this weekend’s race, we caught up with Lando, Oscar, and Team Principal Andrea Stella. We also gathered why Lusail is such a special place for McLaren, the unique challenges of racing here, and even some fashion inspiration for the desert paddock.
The Schedule – Lusail International Circuit, Round 23
- FP1: Fri 28 Nov, 13:30 – 14:30
- Sprint Quali: Fri 28 Nov, 17:30 – 18:15
- Sprint: Sat 29 Nov, 14:00 – 15:00
- Qualifying: Sat 29 Nov, 18:00 – 19:00
- Race: Sun 30 Nov, 16:00 – 18:00
Circuit facts:
First hosted: 2021
Laps: 57
Length: 5.419 km
Race distance: 308.611 km
From the Team
Lando Norris: “It’s great to be back in Qatar for the final Sprint weekend of the year. The Lusail track has great overtaking zones, and I can’t wait to take the MCL39 to its limits. A win is absolutely what we’re chasing.”
Oscar Piastri: “Lusail is one of my favorite circuits. It’s fast, flowing, and filled with medium- and high-speed corners that reward confidence and precision. I’ve got great memories here—especially my first F1 Sprint win in 2023—and I’m hungry for more.”
Andrea Stella: “What happened in Las Vegas hasn’t changed how we work. Our philosophy stays the same: push the limits, stay united, and maximize performance. Difficult moments are part of the sport—they teach you and make you tougher. The team is focused on giving Lando and Oscar the best possible car for Lusail, a track we believe suits our strengths. With two races left, both drivers deserve a fair shot at the Championship.”
Why Lusail Has Our Hearts
Here’s something few fans realize: the Lusail International Circuit wasn’t originally tailored for Formula 1—it was built for MotoGP. That heritage gives it a unique character. Imagine Mugello, but with longer straights and even more space for side-by-side racing. Its 5.38 km layout features 16 corners that flow beautifully into one another, rewarding rhythm and courage.
The opening corner is a favorite overtaking point thanks to the kilometre-long main straight feeding into a heavy braking zone. Turns 6, 10, and 11 also create daring passing opportunities, while Turns 12 through 14 form a sweeping sequence that tests bravery and car balance. As drivers exit Turn 15, the second DRS zone leads into Turn 16—the final slow corner that often determines who wins the next drag race down the main straight.
The Challenges of Qatar
When it comes to endurance, Qatar might just be Formula 1’s version of an ironman event. In 2023, the race matched Singapore in intensity, with drivers battling extreme heat and dehydration. For 2025, organizers have moved the race to later in the year and pushed back session times to reduce the heat—but temperatures will still hover around 20–25°C during the sessions.
That might sound mild, but for drivers sealed inside cockpits under heavy G-forces, it’s punishing. The combination of heat, high-speed corners, and abrasive tarmac means tyres degrade fast, forcing teams to think strategically. Pirelli has capped tyre usage at 25 laps each, meaning at least two pit stops during the 57-lap Grand Prix. The Sprint—just 19 laps—will remain flat-out from start to finish.
So while Las Vegas brought the cold and chaos, Qatar brings focus and fatigue. Every mistake will cost dearly, and every decision matters.
The Championship and the Style
With two races remaining, McLaren has already secured the Constructors’ Championship. But the Drivers’ fight is far from over: Lando leads with 390 points, while Oscar and Max Verstappen are tied at 366. Could this be where the championship takes an unexpected twist?
And as we head into Black Friday weekend, there’s one more kind of race—to the McLaren Store. Get your favourite team gear at a discount and show off your Grand Prix look on social media. The desert sun might be intense, but your outfit should be hotter.
So, what do you think? Is McLaren set for a triumph in Lusail—or will the desert winds blow the championship wide open? Share your take in the comments—because not everyone will agree on how this one ends.