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Saturday, December 06, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Qatar Grand Prix" (17 articles)

Gulf Times
Sport

Verstappen snatches victory in Qatar as McLaren strategy misfires 

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen kept his championship hopes alive under the Lusail floodlights, winning a chaotic and tactically fraught Qatar Grand Prix after McLaren’s bold, and ultimately disastrous, decision not to pit under an early Safety Car left both their drivers exposed.Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri salvaged second place and 18 points, while championship leader Lando Norris fought back to finish fourth in a damage-limitation drive. The dramatic result ensures the title battle will go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Carlos Sainz delivered a superb performance to take third, earning Williams their second podium of the season.As things stand, Norris heads into the final round with a 12-point lead over four-time consecutive champion Verstappen, with Piastri 16 points back in third. A third-place finish in Abu Dhabi would secure Norris his maiden title, but with Verstappen having won five of the last eight Grands Prix, and with McLaren under scrutiny for repeated strategic missteps, the season finale is poised for a dramatic twist.The key moment unfolded at the end of lap 7, when Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly made light contact, sending the Sauber spinning and triggering a Safety Car. Verstappen immediately dived into the pits, as did nearly the entire field, except for both McLarens and Haas’ Esteban Ocon.The urgency to pit was heightened by an enforced 25-lap maximum stint length on all Pirelli tyre sets on a highly-demanding Lusail track, effectively guaranteeing at least two pit stops in the 57-lap race. Red Bull, aware of McLaren’s strong pace all weekend, gambled early, and it paid off handsomely, with Verstappen securing his seventh win of the season, the same as his McLaren rivals."This was an incredible race for us. We made the right call as a team to box under that Safety Car. That was smart," said Verstappen, who claimed his third consecutive victory in Qatar. "I'm super happy to win here. We stay in the fight until the end. Incredible! It was a very strong race on a weekend that was a bit tough but we won the race and that was important."Saturday’s Sprint winner Piastri, who saw a near-certain victory slip away due to McLaren’s strategy, was frustrated. “Speechless…” he said over team radio after the chequered flag. “I don’t have any words.”Speaking moments later, a forlorn-looking Piastri criticised his team. "Clearly we didn't get it right tonight. I drove the best race that I could and as fast as I could. There was nothing left out there. I tried my best but it wasn't to be tonight unfortunately,” the Australian said."I think in hindsight it's pretty obvious what we would have done, but I'm sure we'll discuss it as a team. It's not all bad. It's been a really good weekend and the pace has been very strong. Obviously it's a little bit tough to swallow at the moment,” the 24-year-old added.Immediately after the race, McLaren faced accusations that the controversial call was influenced by a desire to avoid favouring either Norris or Piastri in the tight title fight. Norris rejected that claim outright, despite the decision leaving both cars vulnerable. Had both drivers pitted, Norris would have queued behind Piastri and risked losing track position, while stopping only one car would inevitably raise questions about favoritism.“No, nothing to do with that. Everyone keeps thinking that but it’s nothing to do with that,” Norris insisted. “It’s tough. We just had to have faith in the team making the right decision. It’s always a gamble. We were the ones who took a gamble in a way. Now it’s the wrong decision. We shouldn’t have done it. We’ve won the constructors’ six races ago because of that. Not our finest day but that’s life,” he added.Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli helped Mercedes inch closer to securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship with a strong run to fifth. Norris was hunting down the Italian on the final lap when Antonelli ran wide, allowing the Briton to pounce and seize fourth, a potentially crucial gain of two extra points heading into Abu Dhabi.Behind Antonelli, Isack Hadjar looked set for sixth before suffering a left-front puncture three laps from the end, promoting George Russell after the Mercedes driver had lost three positions on lap one.Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten. Alex Albon (Williams) finished 11th ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Franco Colapinto (Alpine). Ocon was classified 15th after receiving a five-second penalty for a false start, ahead of Gasly, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and the unlucky Hadjar.Ollie Bearman retired after serving a 10-second stop-go penalty for running an unsafe car, while Hulkenberg’s race ended in the gravel following his collision with Gasly.

Qatar sprint race winner McLaren's Oscar Piastri, runner-up George Russell of Mercedes' and third-placed Lando Norris McLaren pose with Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic at the Lusail International Circuit. (AFP)
Sport

Piastri takes Qatar Grand Prix pole, wins sprint to ramp up pressure on Norris

Oscar Piastri may have left it late in his title bid, but he is certainly not going out without a fight. The McLaren driver took pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix Saturday, just hours after winning the sprint to cut teammate Lando Norris’s lead to 22 points at the floodlit Lusail International Circuit. Four-time defending champion Max Verstappen, the only other driver still in title contention and 25 points adrift of Norris, qualified third for Red Bull. Norris had initially topped the leaderboard after the first Q3 laps, but a brief delay to clear debris, a strip of tyre compound that had peeled off Carlos Sainz’s Williams, halted proceedings. When the session resumed, the championship leader ran wide at Turn 2 on his final push lap after appearing slightly unsettled while negotiating George Russell’s Mercedes on the out-lap. The error forced him to abandon the lap, opening the door for Piastri. The Australian made it count as he delivered a superb 1m 19.387s on his second flyer, securing his sixth career pole by 0.108s. Norris, who knows victory today will seal his maiden Formula 1 title ahead of next weekend’s Abu Dhabi finale, was left frustrated but offered no excuses. “We left the car pretty much the same, very minor tweaks here and there, but everything has been feeling great all weekend, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it,” Piastri said. “It was really good. We had a question mark on which tyres to use because I did a quick lap on a used set in Q2, but Q3 was really good on the new tyres.” Looking ahead to today’s race at the physically demanding, high-grip Lusail circuit, he added: “Pretty tough. With the two stops, we’re probably going to be pushing hard the whole time. It won’t be as hot as a couple of years ago, but I’m expecting it to be a tough race. You’re pulling G forces at multiple points on the lap, so it’s hard work but incredible fun.” Norris, meanwhile, shrugged off his mistake as he praised his teammate. “I just got a bit of understeer and was going to go off, so I had to abort. Which is a shame, but that’s the way it is. Oscar did a good lap and has driven very well all weekend, so nothing to complain about – just didn’t do the lap,” he said. “The first couple of laps are opportunities for everyone, but after that it should probably be straightforward.” Verstappen ended the session just over a tenth further back. The Dutchman must finish ahead of Norris today to keep his title hopes alive and take the fight to Abu Dhabi. “This qualifying was a little bit better. We are still quite far off, but at least I felt a little bit happier,” Verstappen said. “Some limitations prevent us from pushing harder around the lap, but we are P3 and starting on the second row, and that creates better opportunities because it’s hard to pass around here. We will see what we can do tomorrow.” Behind the top three, Russell and Kimi Antonelli locked out the third row for Mercedes, with Sainz seventh. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) completed the top ten.Earlier in the evening, Piastri had returned to winning ways with a dominant lights-to-flag victory in the sprint. He controlled the 19-lap dash to claim his first win since the Dutch Grand Prix in August, collecting eight points to further erode Norris’s lead. Norris finished where he started in third behind Russell. Verstappen gained two places with a brilliant launch to take fourth. Yuki Tsunoda and Antonelli were fifth and sixth, despite both serving five-second penalties for repeated track-limits infringements. Alonso secured seventh, with Sainz taking the final point. Ferrari endured a miserable evening, Leclerc slipping back at the start and finishing 13th. Lewis Hamilton fared even worse, crossing the line 17th on what is turning into another deeply frustrating weekend for the seven-time world champion. The frustration deepened in qualifying later, where Hamilton suffered a second straight Q1 elimination – becoming part of an unwanted Ferrari record. His lap was only good enough for 18th on today’s grid, matching his sprint starting position. “I was generally feeling better. We made changes. The car was feeling better. Just wasn’t great,” the 40-year-old Briton said. Asked for a message to his fans, he added: “I don’t really have a message right now. I’m sorry. But I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had all year. I wouldn’t have made it through this year without them.”

McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri drives during the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit Saturday
Sport

Qatar GP: Piastri beats Norris to pole

Oscar Piastri took pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix Saturday with championship-leading McLaren teammate Lando Norris alongside the Australian on the front row and Red Bull's Max Verstappen right behind. With the three title contenders filling the top three places for Sunday's race and McLaren securing the front row lockout, George Russell completed the top four for Mercedes at the floodlit Lusail circuit. Piastri had earlier won the sprint race from pole to cut Norris's lead to 22 points. Verstappen is 25 points adrift of the Briton.  

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 27, 2025. McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix. REUTERS
Sport

‘Relaxed’ Norris raring to go in Qatar after Las Vegas disqualification

Lando Norris insisted he was feeling calm and composed ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix where he could win his first drivers’ world championship title. Unperturbed by the double disqualification of himself and McLaren teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas last weekend, the 26-year-old Briton told reporters at the Lusail Circuit he was completely at ease ahead of this weekend’s showdown. “I feel as relaxed now as I was before when I was 35 points behind and I feel the same when I’m 24 points ahead,” Norris said. “For now, that’s my strength. It feels the same to me now as before Mexico when I wasn’t leading and in Austin.” Norris, who needs only to out-score Piastri and defending four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull by two points to win the title this weekend, made light of the pressures of expectation and the Dutchman’s fightback. “We’ve treated him as a threat the whole year even when he was a few more points behind,” he said of Verstappen, who was 104 points behind in the title race at the end of August, but is now level with Piastri – 24 behind Norris. “We treat him as a threat because we know what he’s capable of, we know what Red Bull is capable of – so therefore nothing changes now because he’s still the threat he’s always been through the whole year.” Norris conceded that his disqualification in Las Vegas had hurt, but said he and the team had dealt with it and moved on. “We all felt let down by the result and we were all disappointed, but actually I found it was quite easy to move on and have a few days off – and then come into this weekend,” he explained. Piastri appeared to be equally calm, but made it very clear that as things stood he had no intention of abandoning his own bid for glory in favour of helping his McLaren team-mate. “We’ve had a very brief discussion on it and the answer is no,” the Australian said. “I’m still equal on points with Max and I’ve got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way. So, yeah, that’s how we’ll play it.” McLaren team chief Andrea Stella explained that the disqualification of both cars, for excessive wear of the skid blocks, was a result of an unexpected level of “porpoising... exacerbated by the conditions” in Nevada. “We knew we were having a lot more issues than we ever expected during the race,” Norris said. “Maybe it would have hurt more if we won the race, but we didn’t so it doesn’t change anything... There’s no point being too sad about it. I’m excited to go again this weekend. It doesn’t change anything. I want to try and win here in Qatar and to win in Abu Dhabi. It sucks, but that’s life sometimes.” 

Gulf Times
Sport

Tennis icon Djokovic leads movement session at Lusail International Circuit

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]**

Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, receives the award at the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards.
Sport

Lusail International Circuit celebrates double victory at 2025 Qatar Tourism Awards

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Lusail International Circuit hosts fan and community programs ahead of Qatar Grand Prix

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix: all eyes on Doha as McLaren's Norris edges closer to world championship title

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar Grand Prix TV promo launch takes place at Souq Waqif

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Lusail International Circuit brings the race to the city: Mall activation to engage fans

In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is set to bring the thrill of the race beyond the track with mall activations designed to engage fans of all ages. Motorsport enthusiasts across Doha will have the chance to experience the excitement of Formula 1 first hand through interactive and visually stunning installations.At Place Vendome Mall, ground floor by Paul Cafe, the Qatar GP Village will welcome visitors, from November 2 to 30, during mall operating hours with a variety of interactive experiences free of charge for kids and adults. Fans can test their racing skills in the VR Pit Stop Challenge, compete on F1 simulators, explore hologram boxes, solve racing-themed puzzles, design their own helmets via the “Build Your Helmet” app, and capture memories at dedicated photo booths. The Cheer Wall will allow visitors to celebrate the passion of Formula 1, creating a truly participatory fan experience.Fatima al-Qaedi, Marketing and Communications Manager at Lusail International Circuit, commented, “Our off-track activations are designed to bring the excitement of Formula 1 closer to fans across Doha. We aim to tap into different segments in our activation: education, art, technology, and fun as this is what F1 is all about, and we want to make sure that Doha, and everyone coming to Doha, celebrates this with us. With interactive and immersive racing experiences, these initiatives celebrate the passion for motorsport, making the countdown to the Grand Prix an unforgettable experience for everyone.”Tickets for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2025 continue to sell rapidly. Fans can still secure limited grandstand and hospitality packages in addition to single day tickets for Friday and Saturday. Friday tickets offer a chance to enjoy opening festivities and the vibrant Fan Zone starred by the iconic British singer, Seal’s performance, while Saturday provides the exclusive Sprint Race with the F2 as support races, and the full 3-day experience promises nonstop racing, entertainment, and fan activities. Tickets can be purchased via Lusail International Circuit’s website at tickets.lcsc.qa.With city and mall activations even running through race weekend, LIC has invited fans to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 and experience the thrill, technology, and culture that defines the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Qatar Grand Prix promises non-stop on track action with the Formula 1 Sprint Race, FIA Formula 2 Championship, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East.
Sport

Lusail International Circuit marks 30 days for F1 Qatar Grand Prix

With just one month to go until the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has unveiled new details of its reimagined Fan Zone and the daily on-site entertainment program, marking another milestone in the countdown to one of the most anticipated weekends in Qatar’s sporting calendar.From November 28 to 30, LIC will welcome fans for a weekend that blends world class racing, family entertainment, culture, and innovation, creating a festival atmosphere that celebrates both Qatar’s spirit and the thrill of Formula 1.A Weekend of Racing and EntertainmentThe 2025 edition promises non-stop on track action with the Formula 1 Sprint Race, FIA Formula 2 Championship, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East. Off the track, the excitement continues with performances by global icons like Seal on Family Friday and Metallica headlining Race Day Sunday.A Reimagined Fan Zone ExperienceAt the heart of the event, the Fan Zone will feature a dynamic lineup of experiences designed to delight visitors of all ages. From immersive activities to educational installations and family entertainment, every corner of the Fan Zone offers something new to discover.Highlights includeLEGO “Build The Thrill” Experience: Making its Middle East debut, LEGO brings its celebrated Formula 1 activation to Qatar as part of the Project Alicia global tour. Fans can build their own mini LEGO F1 cars, explore a LEGO themed pitlane and garage, and take home their creation in exclusive Qatar Grand Prix packaging.F1 Fan Forum: Fans can also look forward to the F1 Fan Forum, taking place on Friday and Saturday, where they can interact directly with drivers, ask questions, and hear exclusive insights.Kart Arena: A high adrenaline electric karting experience inspired by the Lusail International Circuit layout, where guests can race through a custom designed track.Genius Dome: An interactive zone combining science and motorsport, where visitors can explore aerodynamics, engineering, and race strategy through hands-on challenges.AR Car Racing & Racing Container: Interactive simulators and augmented reality experiences that let fans take the wheel and capture their moment on the podium at the F1 Photo Booth.Arcade Zone: Featuring racing simulators, PlayStation consoles, and reflex challenges for competitive fun.Cultural Area: A celebration of Qatari heritage with traditional crafts and performances. Across three tents, visitors can experience Arabic coffee, henna art, calligraphy, dama games, and rotating cultural demonstrations including dhow crafts, Sadu weaving, pearls, and spice displays.Kids Corner: Creative and eco friendly activities for younger visitors, including sand art bottling, recycled art, floor painting, face painting, and wind powered car making.Recycled art mural & oversized words: Guests can contribute to large-scale collaborative artworks using recycled materials, and share their messages on oversized word installations across the Fan Zone.Family Friday and Sprint SaturdayFriday, 28 November offers a full day of fun for all ages, featuring the LEGO® activation, children’s zones, and Seal’s live performance in the evening. General Admission ticket holders can bring up to four children under 12 for free, making it the perfect family day out.Saturday, 29 November showcases high speed competition with the Formula 1® Sprint Race, FIA Formula 2, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, alongside continued entertainment and fan activities across the venue.Sunday, 30 November culminates in the highly anticipated FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 and a powerful closing concert by Metallica, promising an unforgettable finale to the weekend.Tickets Still AvailableWith record demand this year, tickets for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 are selling fast. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets from the limited remaining three-day Grandstand passes, hospitality packages, and single day tickets for Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased via Lusail International Circuit’s website at tickets.lcsc.qa.

Gulf Times
Sport

Lusail International Circuit opens volunteer applications for Qatar Grand Prix 2025

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has officially opened volunteer registrations for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, set to take place from November 28 to 30, 2025. From October 12 until 25, 2025, nationals and residents aged 18 and above are invited to apply for a chance to be part of Qatar’s most anticipated international sporting event of 2025.Building on the success of last year’s volunteer program — which saw more than 600 participants from 40 nationalities, with a split of 55% male and 45% female volunteers, including 210 students contributing across key operational areas.This year’s edition promises to be even larger and more engaging, offering a range of exciting roles and first-hand experience behind the scenes of Formula 1.Volunteers will have the opportunity to work across several essential departments, including Events, Marketing, Communication, Ticketing, Sustainability, Fanzone and more, supporting the seamless delivery of the race weekend. Each volunteer will receive specialized training and on-ground experience, gaining unique insights into event management, motorsport operations, and large-scale hospitality.The initiative reflects LIC’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and local empowerment, providing nationals and residents with a chance to contribute directly to Qatar’s growing motorsport landscape. Through the volunteer program, LIC continues to foster national talent, promote inclusivity, and strengthen the circuit’s position as a self-sustaining venue driven by the passion and participation of the community.Applicants can register through the official volunteer sign-up link (https://events.lcsc.qa/volunteer/public/register). Selected volunteers will be contacted after the closing date for onboarding and training sessions.The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 is set to offer hundreds of volunteers an unforgettable weekend filled with racing, entertainment, learning, and culture; presenting an opportunity to be part of something truly special.