Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic leads a movement session at the Lusail International Circuit track yesterday. AFP
Doha, Qatar: The stage is set, fans are revved up, as the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix returns to the Lusail International Circuit (LIC) with another high-profile race weekend from today.
As LIC hosts the Formula 1 spectacle for the fourth time, the racing spectacle continues to grow in scale, quality, and fan appeal each year.
The 2025 edition promises three days of continuous track action, featuring the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Sprint Race, the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Porsche Carrera Middle East Cup. With top drivers from multiple categories set to compete, fans can expect a packed programme and a weekend built for all ages.
With two races left in the 2025 Formula 1 season, the title fight has reached a decisive stage, with a high probability that the title will be decided in Lusail this time.
Lando Norris leads the standings with 390 points, holding a narrow advantage over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri on 366, who is tied on points with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The margin leaves the championship wide open as a single result can shuffle the order at the top.
George Russell sits fourth on 294 for Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton follow for Ferrari, but both are out of contention for the title.
Every session in the remaining two rounds will prove crucial, and the pressure on the title contenders will be at its peak.
The floodlit Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix is the crown jewel of Lusail International Circuit’s annual calendar, and is set to host the F1 extravaganza until at least 2032. The event lost also includes a number of international racing galas such as MotoGP Qatar Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship (WSBK), Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, apart from regional and national motorsport events.
In recent years, the circuit underwent major upgrades to enhance the experience of both competitors and fans alike. The paddock was expanded, garages were rebuilt, and hospitality areas were redesigned to meet the highest F1 standards. A new track surface was added to handle the demands of current-generation cars. Spectator capacity jumped from 8,000 to 52,000, turning Lusail into a large-scale venue capable of hosting the biggest races long-term.
Organisers have developed a full entertainment schedule to enhance the experience for the thousands of spectators expected to attend. Grammy winning artist Seal, Arab sensation Cheb Khaled and rock music icons Metallica will headline the concert line-up, adding colour to the weekend.
The Fan Zone will operate throughout the event, offering food outlets, gaming areas, interactive exhibitions and cultural displays.
With the LIC continuing to strengthen Qatar’s position on the global motorsport map, the combination of world-class racing, major concerts and strong cultural presence positions the Qatar Grand Prix as one of the most complete events on the Formula 1 calendar.
FORMULA 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2025
TODAY
Formula 1 - First Practice Session - 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Formula 1 – Sprint Qualifying - 8:30 PM - 9:14 PM
TOMORROW
F1 - Sprint (19 Laps or 60 Mins) - 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Formula 1 - Qualifying Session - 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
SUNDAY
Formula 1 - Grand Prix - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
FIA Formula 2
TODAY
FIA Formula 2- Practice Session - 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
FIA Formula 2 - Qualifying Session: 7:10 PM - 7:40 PM
TOMORROW
FIA Formula 2- Sprint Race: 7:20 PM - 8:10 PM
SUNDAY
FIA Formula 2 - Feature Race - 3:00 PM - 4:05 PM
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East
TODAY
First Practice Session - 12:50 PM - 1:35 PM
Second Practice Session - 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Qualifying Session - 3:20 PM - 3:50 PM
TOMORROW
Porsche Carrera Cup ME - Race 1 - 10:45 PM - 11:15 PM
SUNDAY
Porsche Carrera Cup ME - Race 2 - 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
