Formula 1 2025: Learn About the Qatar GP, Drivers, and Favorites on This Motorsport Circuit!

This weekend marks the 23rd race of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Qatar Grand Prix will hold its main race this Sunday (30), with three drivers fighting for the title and motorsport fans enjoying the year-end thrill boosted by sports betting.

While Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen warm up their tires in pursuit of the season title, speed enthusiasts can follow this special guide by Blaze. Check out details of the circuit, the current standings, and the best odds for the penultimate race of 2025!

What Is the Qatar Grand Prix Like?

The Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the Lusail International Circuit, near Doha. The track is 5.419 kilometers long, with 57 laps and 16 turns. It was built in 2004 and has hosted Formula 1 since 2021. There was no race in 2022, but it returned in 2023.

In its first year on the calendar of the world’s premier motorsport competition, British driver Lewis Hamilton, then racing for Mercedes, won and set the track record at 1:20.827. The last two races held there were won by Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver from Red Bull Racing.

Because it is an extremely hot region, races in Qatar are held at night. Still, after issues in last year’s race with internal micro-cracks, the official tire supplier of Formula 1 decided that each tire set can only be used for a maximum of 25 laps to avoid overheating. With 57 laps on the track, this means teams must make three pit stops.

There will also be a sprint race on Saturday, awarding points to the winner, which can heavily influence the already tight standings.

What Are the Qatar GP Schedule Times?

The 2025 edition of the Qatar GP starts on Friday (28), with the first free practice session at 10:30 a.m. (Brasília time). Also on Friday, at 2:30 p.m., the sprint qualifying session takes place. The sprint race itself will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday (29).

Saturday also features qualifying for the main race, at 3 p.m. Due to the heat, the main race is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday (30). Locally, it will already be nighttime — 7 p.m.

The Qatar GP is followed by the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which is very close. The final race of the year is set for December 7.

How Is the 2025 Formula 1 Season Going?

The Constructors’ Championship has been decided since October, with McLaren crowned champions. Now the battle is for second place. Mercedes, with 431 points, Red Bull Racing with 391, and Ferrari with 378, are fighting for the runner-up position. All other teams are far behind.

The real test, however, is in the Drivers’ Championship. Lando Norris of McLaren remains the leader with 390 points. But the last race, the Las Vegas GP, kept the title fight wide open. There, both he and Oscar Piastri — his teammate, currently with 366 points — were disqualified.

The double disqualification occurred because both cars suffered excessive plank wear beyond what is permitted by the FIA. This was determined after the race, costing Norris his 2nd place finish and Piastri his 4th.

Max Verstappen ultimately won in Las Vegas, tying Piastri with 366 points. The sprint race in Qatar could be decisive — and the Dutchman is a specialist in them, which could push the title fight all the way to Abu Dhabi.

In the standings, George Russell of Mercedes also has triple digits with 294 points, followed by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari with 226. Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, has yet to reach the podium in 2025 — something unprecedented in 18 years. He has 152 points, with Mercedes’ 19-year-old Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli closing in at 137. The youngster finished 3rd in Las Vegas after McLaren’s disqualification.

Which Grands Prix Have Already Taken Place?

Across the 22 Grands Prix held so far this season, only four drivers have won. Lando Norris triumphed in the 2025 season opener in Australia, Oscar Piastri won in China, and Max Verstappen claimed Japan. After that, Piastri went on a three-race winning streak.

In Emilia-Romagna, Verstappen took the victory, with Norris returning to the top in Monaco and Piastri winning in Spain. George Russell broke the trio’s dominance by winning the Canadian GP. In the next five races, Piastri won two and Norris won three.

Verstappen returned to the top in Italy, following it with another win in Azerbaijan. Russell won in Singapore, then Verstappen reclaimed his winning form in the United States. Norris won back-to-back races in Mexico and Brazil, and Verstappen won the most recent race in Las Vegas.

Who Are the Favorites to Win the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix?

It is quite obvious that the trio fighting for the 2025 Formula 1 title also sits at the top of the best odds for the Qatar race. Max Verstappen, winner of two of the last four races, has odds of 2.15, while Lando Norris — who won the other two — is at 2.7.

Oscar Piastri, who hasn’t won since August, appears farther behind at 7.5, followed closely by George Russell at 9.0 — the last non-Verstappen/Norris winner.

Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc are tied with odds of 14.0 to win the race. The only other driver with odds below triple digits is Lewis Hamilton, at 23.0.

As for the teams, McLaren remains the favorite with 2.0, but Red Bull is extremely close at 2.1. Mercedes has 7.0, and Ferrari sits at 9.0. You can also bet on the practice sessions and the sprint race.

Where to Watch the Qatar GP

Fans have several options to follow the Qatar GP broadcast. Band, the free-to-air TV channel, broadcasts qualifying and the main race. On BandSports, the cable channel, you can watch free practice, qualifying sessions, and the sprint race. On the streaming platforms F1TV and BandPlay, everything is available: free practice, qualifying, the sprint race, and the main event.

Bet on the 2025 Qatar GP at Blaze

As we get closer to discovering who will become the 2025 Formula 1 world champion, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy sports betting. But remember: the activity is meant for entertainment. Never confuse it with investments.

Responsible Gaming is here to protect you during your leisure time, just like the halo protects the drivers on track. Always manage your bankroll wisely and separate funds strictly dedicated to betting — without harming your personal or financial life.

Place your bets on the 2025 Qatar GP here at Blaze and feel the excitement grow at every turn in the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season!