Qatar GP: UK Schedule and How to Watch on Sky Sports F1
The Qatar Grand Prix marks a critical juncture in the 2025 F1 season, as Lando Norris, with a 24-point lead, seeks to clinch his maiden title. Max Verstappen's recent win and McLaren's disqualifications in Las Vegas have revitalized the championship fight. The final Sprint of the season will add crucial points, making every session on the high-speed Lusail International Circuit vital. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast all the action as the title battle intensifies.
Formula 1’s dramatic three-way title fight heads to the Qatar Grand Prix, the penultimate race weekend and final Sprint of the 2025 season, airing live on Sky Sports F1. Post-race disqualifications in Las Vegas for McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have brought Max Verstappen back into contention, with Norris now holding a 24-point lead over both rivals. He has his first chance to clinch the title in Sunday’s Grand Prix, aiming to avoid a final showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Why it matters:
- The disqualifications in Las Vegas have significantly tightened the championship, turning what seemed like a comfortable lead for Norris into a high-stakes battle.
- The return of the Sprint format for the final time this season offers crucial additional points, potentially shifting the championship balance before Sunday's main event.
- A first-time championship win for Norris would be a landmark moment, but Verstappen's resurgence adds immense pressure, making every session critical.
The Details:
- Championship Scenario: Lando Norris can become world champion if he finishes the Qatar GP weekend with a championship lead of 26 points or more. His current 24-point advantage over Verstappen means he cannot afford any serious errors.
- Max Verstappen's Resurgence: Following his impressive win in Las Vegas and the McLaren disqualifications, Verstappen is now within the points equivalent of one Grand Prix win of Norris, making him a serious threat.
- Oscar Piastri's Challenge: Despite a difficult outing in Vegas and subsequent disqualification, Piastri remains mathematically in the hunt, needing a significant return to form from earlier in the season.
- Lusail International Circuit: This 3.367-mile high-speed track, added to the F1 schedule in 2021, is known for its fast, flowing corners that are tough on tires and make overtakes difficult, primarily occurring at Turn One.
- Weather Conditions: Expected air temperatures for evening sessions are around 25C, dropping to 20C during qualifying and the race, with no rain forecast.
UK Schedule and How to Watch:
- Thursday, November 27: 3pm Drivers' Press Conference, 6pm Paddock Uncut.
- Friday, November 28: 1pm Qatar GP Practice (session starts 1:30pm), 4:50pm Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts 5:30pm).
- Saturday, November 29: 1pm Qatar GP Sprint build-up, 2pm QATAR GP SPRINT, 5:15pm Qatar GP Qualifying build-up, 6pm QATAR GP QUALIFYING.
- Sunday, November 30: 2:30pm Grand Prix Sunday: Qatar GP build-up, 4pm THE QATAR GRAND PRIX.
- Broadcast Details: All sessions are live on Sky Sports F1. Sky customers can watch via TV or the Sky Sports app. Non-Sky customers can stream with a NOW Day or Month pass. Free highlights are available on the Sky Sports app shortly after the race.
What's next:
The Qatar Grand Prix is set to intensify the championship battle ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi. With the championship on the line, every point, particularly in the Sprint, will be crucial. Whether Norris can secure his maiden title or if Verstappen will force a nail-biting showdown in the desert remains to be seen. The high-speed nature of Lusail, combined with tire management challenges, promises an unpredictable and thrilling weekend.