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McLaren’s Norris leads Red Bull’s Verstappen by 12 pointsPiastri a further four behindVerstappen can match Schumacher’s five in a rowFormula One will crown its champion in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both seeking to dethrone Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and deny the Dutchman his fifth title in a row. Norris is favourite in the three-way showdown, 12 points clear of Verstappen and needing ‘only’ to finish on the podium at Yas Marina whoever wins on what could be a night of high drama. The last season before the start of a fresh era for the sport, and the expansion to 11 teams with new rules and engines, has been one of comebacks and shocks for all three contenders and none can be counted out. All have seven wins each, all capable of adding to that tally and ready to deliver an edge-of-seat sunset finale that might have come straight out of Brad Pitt’s recent F1 movie blockbuster. All have also suffered the agony of race retirements due to collisions or crashes. Norris, winner of the opener in Melbourne last March, was 34 points behind Piastri at the end of August but turned his fortunes around with a hot streak while the Australian stalled.He won in Abu Dhabi from pole last year, after losing a title battle with Verstappen. “It’s been an incredible season. We have an incredible car. I’m proud of everyone in the team. Thank you to all of our fans. We’ve got one more race, and we’ll give it everything,” he said.Piastri, leading from Saudi Arabia in April to Mexico in October, had looked set for Australia’s first championship since Alan Jones 45 years ago but is now 16 points behind his teammate.He needs to win or finish second and hope for a twist in the tale -- twice this century the driver who was third overall going into the final round has come out on top. Verstappen, who can join Michael Schumacher as the only drivers to take five titles in a row, could be on for the most astonishing comeback of all after being 104 points behind Piastri in late August. “We stay in the fight until the end,” grinned the Dutchman after winning in Qatar last weekend, following on from victory in Las Vegas the Saturday before that. Abu Dhabi has been a happy hunting ground for him in the past, with four wins in a row at the anti-clockwise circuit until last year. Another win, with Norris not on the podium, would suffice. McLaren had both their cars disqualified in Las Vegas and threw away a win for Piastri and podium for Norris in Qatar thanks to bungled strategy. Surely the runaway constructors’ champions, with the second highest single-season points tally of all time, can’t let slip through their fingers a first title double since 1998? PRIZEMONEY AND PADDOCK PECKING ORDER While the title drama plays out, others will be chasing prizemoney and points to improve their place in the paddock pecking order. Mercedes and Red Bull are fighting for second place, although the former look likely to prevail with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli given the latter team’s reliance on Verstappen.The race will be a final outing for Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull, his seat handed to Frenchman Isack Hadjar for next season, and engine partners Honda before switching to Aston Martin. Ferrari have one last chance to win a race in 2025 while seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a first season without even standing on the podium.Sauber, in their last race before becoming the factory Audi team and with Nico Hulkenberg making his 250th start, are only five points behind eighth-placed Haas who are in turn seven adrift of Aston Martin. Renault-owned Alpine are competing for the last time with Renault engines before a switch to Mercedes power. For Argentine driver Franco Colapinto that means one last attempt to score his first point of the campaign. 

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sunday crowned Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver as the winner of the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix 2025. Held at Lusail International Circuit, the Qatar Grand Prix served as round 23 and the penultimate race of the Formula 1 World Championship season. Joining Sheikh Joaan in the podium ceremony were, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Badr Mohammed al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways, Abdulrahman al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and Abdulaziz al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit. The Dutch driver clinched first place after completing the 57-lap race in a time of 1:24:38.241 hours, finishing ahead of Australia’s Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who took second place, while Spain’s Carlos Sainz of Williams secured the third place. 

The last time Oscar Piastri stood on a podium was at the Italian Grand Prix in September. His most recent Grand Prix victory came a month earlier in the Netherlands, when he held a 34-point lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Since then, however, the Australian has endured a sharp dip in form, slipping 24 points behind Norris in the title race with just two Grands Prix remaining. But Piastri will hope to chip away at that deficit after securing pole position yesterday for the Qatar sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit. Today, Piastri will chase a third successive sprint victory in Qatar, though it is the later qualifying session for tomorrow’s Grand Prix that will ultimately determine whether the title fight carries into next weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi. There are 58 points still available: eight in today’s 100km sprint, and 25 each from the final two Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Mercedes’ George Russell will line up alongside Piastri on the front row after producing another superb lap, while Norris will start third, having run into traffic on his final attempt. He began his last lap tucked up behind Williams’ driver Alex Albon, costing him crucial time throughout the run. Behind the leading trio, Fernando Alonso impressed to secure fourth. Reigning four-time champion Max Verstappen – who also trails Norris by 24 points – could manage only sixth, slotting in behind teammate Yuki Tsunoda. Verstappen complained about severe bouncing throughout qualifying and was unhappy with the setup of his Red Bull car. Piastri admitted it was “nice to be back” having slightly shifted momentum away from Norris in their title fight. “It’s been a good day, which is nice for a change,” said Piastri, a smile returning to his face. “It’s been a day where things have clicked from the start, and I think the sprint qualifying session went really well. I had a pretty big moment on my lap but it was just enough in the end, so thanks to the team – it’s a great car and it’s looked really good this weekend so far. I’m pretty happy with that.” The other Mercedes driver, Kimi Antonelli, was seventh ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz, while Charles Leclerc was the sole Ferrari inside the top 10 in ninth. Albon rounded out the top 10. It was another poor qualifying for Lewis Hamilton, who was knocked out in the first session, his time only good enough for 18th on the grid. Verstappen set the early pace in the opening phase, prompting Norris to accuse him of impeding – though stewards, after reviewing the incident, opted against taking action. Norris then led phase two, ahead of Piastri, who had been quickest in the sole practice session. Piastri ultimately delivered a best lap of one minute 20.055 seconds in the final segment, 0.032 clear of Russell, whose late effort pushed Norris down to third. Norris admitted he made an error in the final corner. “I would be stupid not to try and win, but it’s impossible to overtake, so I think I will probably finish P3,” he said. “Getting past George Russell on the line is probably the best I can hope for.” Norris can become Britain’s 11th world champion this weekend in Qatar. To achieve it, he must simply outscore both Piastri and Verstappen by two points, ensuring he reaches Abu Dhabi with a decisive 26-point advantage. A top-six result in the sprint, paired with victory in tomorrow’s Grand Prix, could allow Norris to seal the title with one race remaining. Verstappen, meanwhile, faces a considerable challenge. His remarkable second half of the season – cutting a 104-point deficit since Zandvoort by finishing on every podium – has hauled him back into the fight, with four wins, two seconds, and two third-place finishes. Yet the Dutchman accepts that a fifth straight world championship will demand a sizeable measure of fortune. If he succeeds, it would stand among Formula One’s finest comebacks. During qualifying yesterday, Verstappen repeatedly complained that his car was “bouncing like crazy”. Whether his off-track moment caused any damage remains unclear, but he was out-qualified by Tsunoda for the first time this season. The Japanese driver has already stated he will do everything possible to support Verstappen, last year’s Grand Prix winner at Lusail. Reflecting on sprint qualifying, Verstappen said: “Not good. From the first lap, just really bad bouncing and very aggressive understeer that would shift into oversteer at high speed. Just not what you want to go faster. We tried to change a few things on the wheel but it never really worked. It made it quite tricky. Clearly it wasn’t working well in qualifying, so that’s something we need to understand.” Verstappen will have to run the sprint with the same setup. However, once the sprint concludes, Red Bull will be allowed to adjust the car, as it will no longer be under parc ferme restrictions.

Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic leads a movement session on the track at Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix.**media[387156]**

Lusail International Circuit (LIC), Qatar's premier motorsport venue, announced its double triumph at the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. Last year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, hosted at LIC from November 29 to December 1 has won awards in two prestigious categories: Premier Sport Event of the Year under World Class Events, and Outstanding Destination Campaign under Digital Footprint.These accolades, presented in partnership with the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), recognise the exceptional contributions of Qatar's tourism and hospitality leaders.Selected from over 1,160 submissions and evaluated by a distinguished jury of local and international experts, the awards highlight innovations that elevate Qatar as a top tier destination. The Qatar Grand Prix 2024 stood out for its unparalleled sporting spectacle and its innovative digital campaigns that captivated global audiences, showcasing Qatar's vibrant tourism landscape."This double win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Lusail International Circuit, as well as our partners at Qatar Tourism and Formula 1. We are truly grateful to the global community that made this possible," said Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit. "Hosting the Qatar Grand Prix not only delivers thrilling on track action but also positions Qatar as a hub for international events, blending high speed excitement with cultural and touristic experiences that draw visitors from around the world."For LIC, these awards underscore the circuit's role in driving Qatar's tourism growth through world class events and cutting-edge digital engagement. The recognition affirms LIC's commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, further solidifying its status as a key player in the global motorsport and tourism arenas.LIC in a statement said it extends its deepest gratitude to its passionate fans worldwide who attended the 2024 event. Their enthusiasm and support have been the fuel behind LIC's success.LIC is gearing up for an even more spectacular Qatar Grand Prix, which is slated to be held from today until Sunday. With enhanced fan experiences, innovative activations, and a continued focus on digital outreach, LIC aims to build on this momentum and create lasting memories for attendees from every corner of the globe.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) geared up for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, with preparations completed ahead of an exhilarating race weekend.On Thursday, F1 enthusiasts experienced the iconic Pit Lane Walk, offering them an immersive view of the teams' garages, pitstops and opportunities to interact with drivers and teams.**media[387103]**Additionally, with inclusivity and community engagement at the heart of LIC, an accessibility friendly pit lane walk in collaboration with Qatar Foundation also took place. This special session welcomed students (accompanied with chaperones and family members) from Warif Academy, Renad Academy, and Awsaj Academy, including children who have diverse abilities and additional learning needs.**media[387105]**Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton made a special appearance where children had the chance to meet him, ask questions and get their autograph. This once in a lifetime opportunity offered the students an enriching and engaging experience, allowing them to connect closely with one of the sport’s most iconic drivers while creating memorable moments that encouraged confidence, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the world of Formula 1.**media[387106]**The day progressed with the official F1 drivers' press conference, which featured insights from drivers including Oliver Bearman (Haas), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) and Carlos Sainz (Williams Racing).**media[387107]**On Friday, Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying will be held with Sprint Race and Qualifying scheduled for Saturday, and the main Grand Prix on Sunday under the iconic LIC lights. Adding to the excitement, the weekend's post-race concerts at the Lusail Live Stage will feature Seal on Friday, Cheb Khaled on Saturday, and Metallica on Sunday.**media[387104]**For those attending, the circuit gates open from 12pm to 10pm on Friday, with the fan forum being a favorite among attendees. Beginning in the afternoon, it allows fans to interact directly with F1 drivers. The Lusail Live Stage will light up with performances including Seal’s from 9pm, with gates opening at 8:30pm.**media[387101]**Ticket holders are reminded that complimentary Metro passes are available for redemption at the goldclub office at any Doha Metro station or selected Lusail Tram stations. The Doha Metro will operate extended hours from 9am to 1:30am on Friday, with complimentary shuttle services running from Lusail QNB Station to the circuit. For the latest updates and information, download the official LIC App or visit the official website at lcsc.qa.

Motorsport fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting one of the most prominent events of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship this weekend when the Lusail International Circuit hosts the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 23rd and penultimate round of the world championship, which could crown McLaren's Lando Norris with his first world title.The Qatar Grand Prix will officially begin its three-day event starting tomorrow with the participation of 20 of the best racing drivers in the world in 10 Formula 1 teams for a chance to win the title in the Sprint race on Saturday evening and the main race on Sunday evening.Doha promises to deliver an exceptional round in the world championship, especially since the results of the Qatar Grand Prix may determine the 2025 Formula 1 world champion.Qatar will host the Formula 1 championship for the third year in a row and for the fourth time in its history, the first of which took place in 2021, replacing Australia as it dealt with restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time.Qatar officially entered the Formula 1 World Championship calendar for 10 consecutive years starting from 2023, as part of the partnership between Doha and Formula 1, under which Qatar has become an important annual venue for the world’s biggest motor racing event.This year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will be the fourth race held at the Lusail International Circuit, following the first in the 2021 season, the second in 2023, which marked the official start of the circuit’s inclusion in the international calendar, and in 2024.The first edition of the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021 saw Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), crowned champion after outperforming his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen, four-time world champion (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).In 2023, Verstappen came in first place at the Lusail International Circuit, securing his third world title. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris came in second and third, respectively.In 2024, Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix once again, edging past Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Piastri, who came in second and third.The fourth edition of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will feature a particularly intense competition between 20 drivers representing 10 teams, especially between the top three: Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen.The battle for the World Drivers' Championship title will be fierce between the three drivers. Norris is currently leading with 390 points, whilst Piastri and Verstappen each have 366 points. Norris has a great chance of securing his first ever World Championship title at the Lusail International Circuit.Meanwhile, McLaren have already won the Constructors' Championship by a high margin of 756 points, 325 points clear of its closest rival Mercedes in second place with 431 points. Red Bull currently sits in third with 391 points.With 58 points still up for grabs in the penultimate Qatar (33 points) and final Abu Dhabi (25 points) rounds of the World Championship, Norris has a great chance of winning the title. He needs to win the Qatar Grand Prix and finish with a 26-point lead over his rivals in the overall standings to be officially crowned world champion for the 2025 season, regardless of the results of the final round.The Lusail International Circuit, which, after its redevelopment, has retained its famous 5.380 km (3.343 mi) track, is one of the world's most prominent circuits, especially as it is one of the few circuits in the world that hosts both the Formula 1 and MotoGP World Championships.By hosting the most prominent global events in motorsport, the Lusail Circuit has contributed to introducing technology to the sport and changing the history of motorsport culture. It has also changed the FIA's rules, from holding the championship with daytime rules to nighttime rules, after Qatar was the first country to hold a night race for MotoGP.The Lusail International Circuit is also one of the most prominent circuits that hosts a round of the Formula 1 World Championship under floodlights, in addition to five other races held in the circuits of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.The distinctive role played by the circuit since its establishment in 2004 has made it a leader in circuit sports over the years by providing a great addition to motorsports, thanks to the support of officials and their keenness to provide all means to achieve success, which ultimately contributes to Qatar National Vision 2030.The Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, which includes Formula 2 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, kicks off tomorrow, Friday. The race program will have official activities extending over three days, beginning Friday and continuing until the main race on Sunday, which will be held at 7 p.m. Doha time.Friday morning will feature free practice sessions where drivers will familiarize themselves with the circuit. It will begin with the first free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, followed by the Formula 2 practice session, then the first Formula 1 practice session. After that, it will be followed once again by the second free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, the Formula 2 qualifying session, and the Formula 1 sprint qualifying session. Press conferences will be held between these sessions.Starting on Saturday, the pressure will increase on the drivers, as the qualifying sessions for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, followed by the Formula 1 Sprint race at 5 p.m., the last of the season. This will be followed by the Formula 2 Sprint race at 7:20 p.m., with qualifying sessions taking place at 9 p.m. to determine the starting positions for the main race on Sunday. After that, the first main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, which will last for 11 laps or 25 minutes.On the final Sunday, participants are allowed to do a round of practice and warm-up, followed by the second main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East at 1:45 p.m., then the main Formula 2 race consisting of 32 laps or 60 minutes + 1 lap, at 3:00 p.m., after which the round concludes with the main Formula 1 race consisting of 57 laps or 120 minutes, which will start at 7:00 p.m. Doha time, to determine the champion of the Qatar Grand Prix, which constitutes the penultimate round of the World Championship.Last year, the Lusail International Circuit underwent a comprehensive development process to increase the grandstand capacity to 40,000 spectators, with the introduction of state-of-the-art facilities and buildings with world-class specifications. However, no modifications were made to the track itself, which retained its famous design, as it was only repaved and safety measures were provided.

Contrary to popular lore, what happens in Las Vegas most definitely does not stay in Vegas as far as Formula One is concerned.The aftershock of Sunday's double disqualification in Nevada hangs over champions McLaren ahead of a sprint weekend at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar that could hand Lando Norris his first Formula One crown – or erode his lead.The Briton is 24 points clear of Australian teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen with two rounds remaining – a total of 58 points to be won and all to play for. After Sunday, there will be just 25 on offer.Norris and Piastri finished second and fourth respectively in Las Vegas but, due to the under-car plank and rear skids wearing too thin, lost their points in a development that blew the title battle wide open."During the race, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of porpoising (bouncing) not seen in the practice sessions, which led to excessive contact with the ground," team boss Andrea Stella explained on Sunday night. "The breach was unintentional, there was no deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations, and mitigating circumstances also existed."The thinner the plank, the closer to the ground the car rides and the faster it goes. The open and unanswered question, as the circus prepares for the second part of a final triple header, is how much McLaren's performance might now be affected over the season-ending weekends in the Middle East.Rivals, and particularly Red Bull who have Verstappen chasing a fifth title in a row after winning in Las Vegas, will be keeping a very close eye on developments. Qatar and Abu Dhabi should play to McLaren's strengths – Piastri won last year's sprint while Norris set the fastest race lap -- but will they have to play safe and run a higher setting than usual, giving away some aerodynamic advantage?Verstappen also has a great record in Qatar as the only driver to win twice there, the Dutchman clinching his third title in 2023 after the Saturday sprint, which was also won by Piastri.He won last year, with Norris demoted from second to 10th after collecting a 10 second stop/go penalty for speeding during yellow warning flags. "Just trying to enjoy, have a good time, and when you can win, you try to win," Verstappen said of his approach after Sunday's success.George Russell put Mercedes on pole at the Lusail circuit last year, after Verstappen was demoted one place for driving unnecessarily slowly, and will be one to watch along with teammate Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes are solidly second in the constructors' championship, 40 points clear of Red Bull and 53 ahead of Ferrari, but nothing is certain."We have the added challenge of the sprint format this weekend and an imposed usage limit on the tyres too," said principal Toto Wolff. "Making a solid start in FP1 (practice), and having a good base to build from, will be key. We expect our competitors to be quick; warm conditions and high-speed corners haven't been our strength this year."Pirelli has imposed a maximum of 25 laps per set of tyres for Sunday's race, following analysis of wear from 2024 and after similar limits in 2023.That will mean at least two pitstops per driver and also produce a faster pace – which could subject the plank to more punishment and reduce the need for tyre management, another McLaren strength.McLaren also have two drivers to manage while Verstappen is his team's sole focus, will get priority in pitstops and – when it comes to championships – has been there before and will be laser focused. 

Max Verstappen of Red Bull came in first place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, while Lando Norris of McLaren moved closer to securing his first World Championship title after finishing in second place in the 22nd round of the Formula One World Championship.Norris dropped to third place behind Mercedes' George Russell before regaining second place, strengthening his lead in the drivers' standings with 408 points, 30 points clear from his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen comes in third with a 42-point difference.Verstappen secured his sixth win of the season and the 69th of his career, finishing about 21 seconds ahead of Norris and 23 seconds ahead of Russell.In the Constructors' standings, the battle for second place is fierce between Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari. Meanwhile, McLaren secured the Constructors' World Championship for the second year in a row.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is transforming Doha into an open air art installation for the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 with ten monumental Formula 1 helmet sculptures. Eight of them have been created by some of Qatar’s exciting contemporary artists.Until 30 November 2025, these 1.8 meter tall artworks are installed across Qatar and can be visited by fans. Each one a unique celebration of Qatari identity, heritage, and innovation seen through the lens of motorsport, speed and precision.The ten helmets and their locations are:Hamad International Airport and Lusail International Circuit’s Media Accreditation Center at St. Regis Doha, which will both have official LIC branded helmets.Old Doha Port – The Rise of Glory by Fatima Mohammed Shaker **media[384348]**A powerful expression of authenticity and renewed national spirit, blending Qatar’s map and identity with the launch toward global achievements.Doha Festival City Mall – Connections by Hala Al-DarbastiVivid acrylic inspired work celebrating the small details that make us unique yet unite us, bridging individual identities in a shared human experience.The artist notes, “Collaborating with Lusail International Circuit for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix has been a truly inspiring experience. Seeing my artwork come to life on such a large scale has been deeply meaningful, and I’m grateful to have contributed to a project that celebrates creativity within Qatar’s growing motorsport community.”Lusail International Circuit– The Camel by Laila Al-QaediTraditional tribal camel markings are transformed into a rhythmic contemporary pattern across the helmet, echoing racing lines while honouring the desert symbols of endurance, navigation, and resilience that parallel the demands of motorsport.Msheireb Downtown – Heritage in Acceleration by Noor Abuissa **media[384349]**Islamic geometric patterns drawn from mosque architecture and Doha’s skyline are reinterpreted in motion, translating spiritual harmony and mathematical perfection into the language of Formula 1 speed.Place Vendôme Mall – Fusion of Speed and Heritage by Jaber HenzabQatari landmarks, craftsmanship, and family stories merge with the precision of F1 in bold colours and clean lines. It is a visual tribute to Qatar racing towards the future while rooted in its past.“I am proud to collaborate with Lusail International Circuit on a project that brings together creativity, culture, and speed. Seeing my artwork integrated into the Formula 1 experience in Qatar is a truly meaningful milestone, and I’m honored to contribute to an event of such global significance,” shared Jaber.Qatar Foundation – Velocity of Heritage by Kaltham Al-FakhrooTraditional Qatari architectural motifs from historic buildings are fused with the dynamic energy of the Lusail International Circuit, exploring how heritage evolves through modern design and motion. According to Kaltham, “Working on a helmet dedicated to one of my favorite sports has been an incredible opportunity. Lusail International Circuit has always had a unique aura, and this experience has only reaffirmed that it is truly like no other. I’m thrilled to take part alongside such talented artists and proud to represent my craft to the community in a distinctive and meaningful way.”Souq Waqif – The Land of Abundance and Oysters by Zainab AlShibaniInspired by the songs of pearl divers (“Al Naham”), suspended pearls and gold elements evoke a racing-inspired طاسة or عقد, drawing a poetic link between divers and F1 drivers.VVIP Lounge, LIC – The Falcon: A Renewed Legacy by Noura Abdulrahman Al IbrahimThe Saker falcon, Qatar’s symbol of strength and pride, becomes a canvas revealing the hidden circuits and microchips beneath an F1 car. It is a seamless fusion of cultural iconography and cutting edge engineering.**media[384350]**Fatima Al Qaedi, Marketing Manager at Lusail International Circuit, said: “This city-wide exhibition is an appreciation to Qatari creativity. Eight extraordinary artists have taken the helmet, the ultimate symbol of protection and performance – and turned it into a canvas for our nation’s stories. From pearl-diving songs to falconry, from Islamic geometry to camel tribal marks, every piece reflects how effortlessly Qatar moves between deep-rooted heritage and high-speed innovation. We invite everyone, residents and visitors alike to follow the helmet trail and experience Formula 1 through the eyes of our artists.”A very limited number of tickets for the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 (28 to 30 November) remain on sale and can still be purchased. Friday, November 28, features the opening ceremony, Formula 1 practice sessions, Sprint Qualifying, and support series running throughout the day, followed by a live performance by British icon Seal.Saturday, November 29, brings the high intensity F1 Sprint Race, along with FIA Formula 2 and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East sessions and races, concluding with a performance by Algerian superstar Cheb Khaled.Sunday, November 30, hosts the main event: the 57 lap FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX, preceded by the Formula 1 Drivers’ Parade, F2 Feature Race, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Race 2, and ending with a headline performance by Metallica.Secure your seat at tickets.lcsc.qaFollow the helmet trail across Doha and discover Formula 1 as never before.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) hosted the official Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix TV promo launch Tuesday during a reveal event held at its newly installed #QatarGP 360° Experience activation, at the Eastern Square in Souq Waqif. An exclusive first look of the new promotional film for the race was shown at the launch event.During the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore the #QatarGP 360° Experience. This installation allowed invitees to experience the 360° film environment for the first time, placing them right in the center of the action.The film “Where Hearts Are Racing”, is a cinematic journey exploring the timeless human pursuit of speed through the lens of Qatari heritage and culture. The film celebrates speed as a universal force that unites people across generations, bridging Qatar’s centuries-old traditions of camel racing, falconry, and equestrian mastery with the cutting-edge excitement of modern Formula 1.Through poetic narration and striking imagery, it draws a powerful connection between the grace and endurance of the past and the precision, innovation, and daring of today’s motorsport. By honoring these echoes of tradition while showcasing modern performance, the film reflects a shared human spirit: bold, connected, and always in motion, fueled by imagination, excellence, and the relentless drive to push boundaries.Fatima al-Qaedi, Marketing Manager at Lusail International Circuit said: “This promotional film beautifully captures Qatar’s deep-rooted passion for racing and speed through a contemporary cinematic lens, portraying the strong connection between Arab heritage and modernity, showcasing how speed has evolved from being a part of local culture into a universal language of ambition, determination, and excellence.The film comes as part of Lusail International Circuit’s preparations to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for fans and strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global sports stage.”The activation is now open for free to the public at Souq Waqif, welcoming visitors to experience the official F1 QatarGP TV promo launch through the #QatarGP 360° experience daily until November 30.It will be open from 3pm to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 3pm to 12am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Fans can also watch the film on LIC’s YouTube channel.The Qatar Grand Prix 2025 will take place at Lusail International Circuit from November 28 to 30. Limited tickets are available, and fans are encouraged to secure theirs quickly by visiting tickets.lcsc.qa.

The Years of Culture initiative unveiled the next stage of its global collaboration with Formula One (F1) driver Pierre Gasly of the BWT Alpine F1 Team: a new racing helmet designed by acclaimed Brazilian illustrator and street artist Fernando Chamarelli, inspired by the legacy of the Qatar-Brazil 2014 Year of Culture.Uniting art and sport on a global stage, Gasly is debuting two new helmet designs at Grand Prix races in The Netherlands and Brazil, each created in partnership with artists inspired by the mission of Years of Culture to build dialogue and mutual understanding through cross-cultural exchange. Transforming one of F1's most visible symbols, this partnership engages fans worldwide through the creative visions of artists from diverse international backgrounds.Chamarelli explained that the falcon is the main symbolic figure, representing Qatar's strength and culture. The colours of the Brazilian flag are woven throughout the design, merging with the maroon tone of Qatar's flag to create harmony between both nations. The shapes evoke the dunes of the Qatari desert and the green of the Brazilian rainforest, symbolising the connection between nature and land. Indigenous patterns and the sun represent energy and life, culminating in a colourful composition that celebrates the union of two cultures through art and symbolism.Pierre Gasly said: "Racing is a global stage that brings people and cultures together. Partnering with Years of Culture allows me to share the creativity and stories of artists from around the world. Each helmet I wear carries a piece of that dialogue."Gasly debuted the first helmet of the series on Aug. 31 at Circuit Zandvoort in The Netherlands. Created by Dutch artist Johan Moorman, the design reinterpreted Amsterdam's iconic façades and the palettes of the Dutch and French flags, integrating Gasly's personal heritage into the motif. Since its inception in 2012, Years of Culture has built lasting bridges between Qatar and nations across the world, building understanding through creativity, dialogue, and collaboration.