The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming to a head at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar. With the championship still on the line, a sprint format, and last week’s drama in Vegas fresh in everyone’s minds, here are five stories you need to follow this weekend—each inspired by the latest headlines and expert insights.

The odds are shifting as the championship reaches its boiling point. Lando Norris, despite last week’s heartbreak, is still in the mix for his first world title. Bookies see both Norris and Verstappen as top contenders, but the pressure is firmly on Lando’s shoulders. The sprint weekend format means more points are up for grabs, so expect aggressive strategies and maybe a surprise from Ferrari or Mercedes if the frontrunners slip up. Who will keep their cool under the desert lights?

Max Verstappen heads to Qatar with one goal: keep the pressure on Norris and snatch the title lead. After capitalising on McLaren’s double DQ in Vegas, Max has closed the gap and is ready to “go all in” this weekend. His confidence is sky-high, and he thrives in high-stakes situations. Can Lando withstand the relentless charge from the reigning champ, or will Verstappen’s experience prove decisive as we head towards Abu Dhabi?

McLaren suffered a gut punch in Vegas with both cars disqualified, erasing critical points. Now, all eyes are on Norris and Piastri: can they rebound under the spotlight and keep their championship hopes alive? The team’s response will be crucial. Expect McLaren to come out swinging, determined to prove Vegas was a fluke. With the sprint offering extra points and the main race on Sunday, this is their shot at redemption.

Catch it all live on Sky Sports F1 and stream via Sky Go or NOW TV.

This is the last sprint weekend of the year, and every point counts. The championship math is simple: if Lando leaves Qatar with a 26-point lead, he’s champion. But with the sprint and main race both offering points, the door is still open for late drama. The pressure is immense, and history tells us anything can happen when the stakes are this high. Will we see a coronation, or will the title race go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi?

Qatar’s Lusail circuit presents a unique challenge this weekend with Pirelli enforcing a mandatory two-stop pit strategy for all teams—a rare occurrence in modern F1. This is due to the tyre allocation and the track’s high-speed, abrasive surface that rapidly degrades rubber.

Unlike most races where teams can gamble on one or two stops, this weekend every driver must pit at least twice, making tyre management and pit timing absolutely critical. Teams will need to nail their strategy to avoid losing time in the pits or getting caught in traffic.

For title leader Lando Norris and his McLaren team, flawless pit stops and smart tyre choices will be vital to maintain track position and fend off Max Verstappen’s relentless charge. Any mistake in the pits or tyre management could quickly erase a points advantage.

Verstappen, hunting hard, will be looking to exploit any slip-ups and use aggressive strategy calls to gain ground. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri will also be watching closely, hoping their teams can execute perfect stops to keep their championship hopes alive.

This mandatory two-stop rule adds a strategic layer that could make or break the weekend for all the top contenders, turning Qatar into a high-stakes tactical battleground as much as a race of speed.

The Qatar GP is set to deliver all the drama, tension, and unpredictability that make F1 unmissable. Whether you’re rooting for Lando, Max, Lewis, or just love the chaos, buckle up for a weekend of pure racing theatre.

Enjoy the Race!!