2025 Qatar Grand Prix Schedule and Session Times
The 2025 Formula 1 season heads to the Losail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, featuring the final Sprint weekend of the year. With 33 points up for grabs and a tight championship battle, the schedule includes a single practice session before Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by the Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday. Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris are locked in a close fight for the title.
Attention shifts to the Qatar Grand Prix following the dramatic events in Las Vegas, marking the 23rd round of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Losail International Circuit. This weekend will also host the final Sprint event of the year, offering a total of 33 points to drivers.
Why it matters:
This penultimate race weekend is crucial for the championship contenders, especially with the added points from the Sprint. The unique format, with just one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, can significantly influence driver and team strategies, potentially creating more unpredictable outcomes.
The Details:
- Sprint Weekend Format: Qatar will feature the final Sprint event of the season, meaning 33 points are available across the Sprint Race and the Grand Prix.
- Condensed Friday: Drivers will have only one Free Practice session before immediately heading into Sprint Qualifying.
- **Key Schedule Times (BST / Local Time):
- Friday, November 28th:
- FP1: 13:30 - 14:30 BST (16:30 - 17:30 local)
- Sprint Qualifying: 17:30 - 18:14 BST (20:30 - 21:14 local)
- Saturday, November 29th:
- F1 Sprint: 14:00 - 15:00 BST (17:00 - 18:00 local)
- Qualifying: 18:00 - 19:00 BST (21:00 - 22:00 local)
- Sunday, November 30th:
- Qatar GP: 16:00 - 18:00 BST (19:00 - 21:00 local)
- Friday, November 28th:
- Championship Standings Impact: Following the disqualifications in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen is now tied with Oscar Piastri in points, trailing Lando Norris by 24 points. This tightens the championship battle significantly.
- Formula 2 Return: The feeder series, Formula 2, also makes its return at Losail after a long break since the Azerbaijan GP, with its own Practice, Qualifying, Sprint Race, and Feature Race sessions.
The Big Picture:
The 2025 season is reaching its climax, and the Qatar Grand Prix's Sprint format ensures maximum points are on offer at a critical juncture. The championship standings are incredibly close, with Lando Norris currently leading, but Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are hot on his heels. Every session and every point will be vital in the pursuit of the title.
What's Next:
With the championship battle heating up, all eyes will be on Losail as drivers aim to maximize their points haul. The unique demands of the Losail International Circuit, combined with the Sprint format, promise an exciting and potentially title-deciding weekend before the season finale.