Qatar GP: Thursday Media Day in Pictures

The 2025 F1 World Championship is heading into its crucial final stages in Qatar, with the Drivers ' Championship still a heated battle. Lando Norris currently leads, but Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen are close behind, trailing by 24 points. This Sprint weekend offers a significant 33 points, making every session vital.

Why it matters:

• The Drivers' Championship is far from decided, creating high stakes for this penultimate race weekend.
• A Sprint weekend format means more opportunities for points, intensifying the competition and strategic decisions for all teams.
• Qatar's Lusail International Circuit often presents unique challenges with its high-speed sections and demanding corners, testing both car and driver to their limits.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Lando Norris is at the top, but his lead is precarious with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen within striking distance.
• Sprint Weekend: The format includes a Sprint Race on Saturday, offering additional points (8 for first, down to 1 for eighth) before Sunday's main Grand Prix.
• Points on Offer: A total of 33 points are available for the taking this weekend, comprising points from the Sprint Race and the Grand Prix.
• Lusail International Circuit: Known for its long main straight and a series of medium to high-speed corners, making tire management and aerodynamic efficiency crucial.
• Media Day Activities: Drivers and team principals engaged in various media sessions, interviews, and track walks, setting the stage for the intense weekend ahead. These activities provide early insights into team strategies and driver mindsets.

The big picture:

This Qatar Grand Prix is a pivotal moment that could significantly shift the championship's momentum. With two strong contenders chasing Norris, any misstep could prove costly. The pressure is immense, and every practice lap, qualifying run, and race strategy will be scrutinized. The performance in Qatar will set the tone for the final race, potentially determining who carries the advantage into the season finale.

What's next:

The action officially kicks off with Free Practice and Qualifying for the Grand Prix. The focus will quickly shift to the Sprint Shootout and Sprint Race on Saturday, followed by the main event, the Qatar Grand Prix, on Sunday. Expect teams to fine-tune their setups and strategies rapidly to maximize their points haul from this critical weekend.