How to Watch the Qatar GP: McLaren's Vegas Drama Ignites Title Fight
McLaren's double disqualification in the Las Vegas Grand Prix has dramatically reignited the F1 title fight, with Lando Norris now leading by a narrow margin, while Oscar Piastri is tied with Max Verstappen. The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, featuring a sprint race, becomes a critical showdown as the championship battle intensifies, accessible globally via Sky Sports F1, ESPN, and F1 TV Pro.
Following the thrilling race in Las Vegas, which blew open the F1 title race, Formula 1 continues its final stretch of the season with the Qatar Grand Prix. McLaren's double disqualification in Vegas added yet another twist to an already tense championship battle. The sanction handed to the papaya-colored outfit reopened a title fight that had appeared to be shifting in Lando Norris’ favor.
The British driver now leads the standings with 24 points, with his teammate Oscar Piastri leveled on points with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
McLaren's unexpected disqualification in Las Vegas has dramatically reshaped the F1 title fight, transforming what seemed like a clear path for Lando Norris into a tight three-way battle. This sudden shift ensures the Qatar Grand Prix will be a crucial, high-stakes event, with every point vital as the season heads towards its climax.
The details:
- Vegas Disqualification: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, wiping out their points from the race.
- Championship Standings Impact: This decision had a significant effect on the drivers' championship:
- Lando Norris now leads with 24 points.
- Oscar Piastri is tied with Max Verstappen, both on equal points.
- Qatar Grand Prix Schedule: The race weekend runs from November 28th to 30th and will include a single practice session and the final sprint race of the 2025 campaign.
- Where to Watch in the UK: Coverage will be available on Sky Sports F1. Sky Go and NOW TV users can stream the action online or on mobile devices.
- Where to Watch in the USA: Fans can watch live on ESPN network services and ESPN+.
- Global Coverage: F1 TV Pro subscriptions are available worldwide, along with various regional broadcasters depending on local rights and availability.
The big picture:
The F1 2025 season has delivered unexpected twists, with McLaren's strong performance often challenging the dominance of Red Bull. The championship battle, once seemingly settled, has been reignited, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. The unpredictability of recent races, combined with the tightened standings, promises an exhilarating end to the season, with the Qatar GP playing a pivotal role in determining the eventual champion.
What's next:
The focus now shifts entirely to the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail, where Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen will battle for supremacy. With points at an absolute premium and the championship on the line, every session – from practice to the sprint and the main race – will be critical. The outcome in Qatar could very well set the tone for the remainder of the season, potentially giving one of the contenders a decisive advantage heading into the final rounds.