LIVE: 2025 F1 Qatar Grand Prix Free Practice Session

The F1 season's penultimate round is underway at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. Following a dramatic disqualification for both McLaren drivers in Las Vegas, the championship battle has intensified, with Max Verstappen now level on points with Oscar Piastri and just 24 points behind current leader Lando Norris. With the sprint format in play for the final time this year, drivers face a single practice session before sprint qualifying, making it crucial to hit the ground running.

Why it matters:

The 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship has taken an unexpected turn, with a three-way battle at the top as the season draws to a close. The high stakes of the Qatar Grand Prix, coupled with the sprint format offering additional points, mean that every session and every decision could be pivotal in determining the eventual champion. With only one practice session before competitive running, teams and drivers have minimal time to optimize their setups, adding an extra layer of pressure and potential for surprises.

The details:

• Championship Standings Twist: The disqualification of both McLaren drivers in Las Vegas — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri — significantly tightened the championship fight. Max Verstappen's victory in Vegas propelled him into a tie on points with Piastri, and just 24 points adrift of Norris, who currently leads.
• Qatar's Significance: The Lusail International Circuit is hosting the penultimate round of the 2025 season, making it a critical juncture for title contenders.
• Verstappen's Form: Max Verstappen has a strong track record in Qatar, winning on his last two visits, indicating his comfort and speed at this circuit.
• Piastri's Performance: Oscar Piastri has also shown strong form at Lusail, securing podium finishes in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting he could be a strong contender again this weekend.
• Sprint Weekend Format: This weekend marks the final sprint format event of the year, meaning drivers will have only one free practice session to prepare for sprint qualifying and the subsequent sprint race and main Grand Prix.
  • The single practice session places immense pressure on teams to gather data efficiently and find an optimal setup quickly.
  • The sprint format offers additional championship points, making strong performances throughout the weekend even more vital for those in the title hunt.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the lone practice session to see which drivers and teams adapt fastest to the Lusail circuit and the demanding sprint weekend format. The immediate transition from practice to sprint qualifying will test the preparedness and adaptability of the grid. With the championship on a knife-edge, the results from Qatar will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling season finale, with every point fiercely contested.