Lewis Hamilton expressed his profound disappointment after an early exit in Sprint Qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix, lamenting Ferrari's consistent underperformance with the SF-25. Finishing 18th and stating "Same as always," his frustrations highlight ongoing issues within the team, raising concerns about their ability to provide a competitive car despite being the only Ferrari driver to score a Sprint victory since 2021.
The Qatar Grand Prix is underway with Sprint Qualifying, a crucial session for title protagonists. Lando Norris has a prime opportunity to extend his championship lead by securing pole position in this condensed, high-stakes format. Drivers will navigate mandatory medium and soft tire compounds across shortened sessions, promising fast-paced action and intense competition for grid positions. Every point gained here will be vital for the remainder of the weekend.
Max Verstappen offered a clear stance on McLaren's Las Vegas disqualification, stating there's "no excuse" for failing plank wear checks. The penalty, which saw Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri disqualified, significantly tightened the championship, reducing Verstappen's deficit to Norris to just 24 points and reigniting his title aspirations for a record-equaling fifth consecutive F1 drivers' championship.
Guenther Steiner has issued a stark warning to McLaren, asserting that the team must now fully support Lando Norris in the Formula 1 title fight or risk losing the championship. With Norris holding a precarious 24-point lead and Max Verstappen in relentless pursuit, Steiner argues that McLaren's 'let the boys race' philosophy is no longer viable. He believes McLaren must prioritize Norris to secure their first drivers' title since 2008, even if it means implementing team orders.
Pirelli has imposed a 25-lap limit for each tire set at the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix due to severe wear issues, while also finalizing five new, narrower compounds for the 2026 season. Ferrari and Alpine team principals, Fred Vasseur and Steve Nielsen, discussed the immense pressure of developing 2026 cars under an extremely tight winter break and the psychological challenges of managing teams during strategic shifts. Driver frustration and the need for human judgment in stewarding decisions were also key topics.
Red Bull is nearing a decision on its 2026 F1 driver lineups for both its main team and Racing Bulls, with an announcement expected after the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen is confirmed at Red Bull, while Isack Hadjar is rumored to join him. The sister team's seats are a battle between Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and potentially Arvid Lindblad, with the decision crucial for planning and driver fairness.
Tensions flared between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during Qatar Sprint Qualifying as both drivers complained about impeding incidents in SQ1. While stewards found no wrongdoing, their heated radio exchanges underscore the intensifying championship rivalry, adding a psychological dimension to their on-track battle and hinting at continued drama this season.
Mercedes driver George Russell raised concerns about potential plank wear issues during practice at the Qatar Grand Prix, reporting he could smell wood from his car. This comes after McLaren's recent disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear, highlighting the critical importance of car setup and compliance. With the championship battle intensifying, teams are under pressure to avoid similar penalties.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri led the first practice session for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, with Lando Norris close behind, showcasing the team's strong form. In contrast, Max Verstappen voiced significant frustration over his Red Bull's handling, finishing P6. A humorous radio exchange involving Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas also added a light moment to the session, as teams prepare for Sprint Qualifying.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown stated the FIA is reviewing the team's 'draconian' double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lost points due to a minor plank wear infraction. Brown highlighted the penalty's severity for a non-performance-enhancing error and noted the FIA agrees the punishment was disproportionate, potentially signaling a future rule review.
Oscar Piastri edged out Lando Norris by just 0.058 seconds in the sole practice session for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, with McLaren securing a dominant 1-2 finish. This crucial session sets the stage for a tight Sprint weekend, where Norris could potentially clinch the F1 title. Fernando Alonso placed third, while George Russell, despite early pace, fell to 14th.
Oscar Piastri led a critical sole practice session for the F1 Qatar GP, narrowly beating McLaren teammate Lando Norris. This crucial session, dominated by soft-tire qualifying runs, saw teams prepare for a sprint weekend featuring strict 25-lap tire stints due to Pirelli's mandate. McLaren's strong performance positions them as key contenders as Norris aims for his first world title.
