The stage is set for a spectacular weekend of Formula 1 racing at the Lusail International Circuit, where the penultimate round of the 2025 season kicked off with high-octane action under the Qatari stars. The Friday night proceedings, comprising a single free practice session and the all-important Sprint Qualifying, delivered surprises and set a thrilling precedent for the days to come.
Piastri Shines Under Lights in Sprint Qualifying
The main event of Friday was the Sprint Qualifying, which commenced at 8:30 pm local time (11:00 pm IST). In a stunning performance, McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured the top spot, clinching the coveted pole position for Saturday's Sprint race. This achievement sets a powerful tone for the young driver, who is currently tied for second in the Drivers' Championship.
Mercedes' George Russell put in a strong lap to secure a front-row start, qualifying in second place. Meanwhile, Piastri's teammate and championship leader, Lando NorrisFernando Alonso, who grabbed fourth place.
In a surprising turn of events, the current champion Max Verstappen could only manage sixth place, finishing one position behind the Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar, who took a commendable fifth.
FP1: McLaren Sets the Early Pace
The only free practice session of the Qatar weekend, held earlier at 4:30 pm local time (7:00 pm IST), was dominated by the McLaren duo. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished first and second respectively, signalling the team's strong pace around the Lusail circuit.
Fernando Alonso continued to show that Aston Martin's form was no fluke, securing third place in the session. Further down the order, Max Verstappen was sixth, while Mercedes had a mixed outing with George Russell in fourteenth and Kimi Antonelli taking tenth. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton finished eighth and twelfth respectively.
Championship Decider Looms on the Horizon
The battle for the championship is reaching its boiling point. Lando Norris currently leads the Drivers' Standings, but with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied closely behind him, the title could very well be decided this Sunday in Qatar.
The action continues on Saturday with the 19-lap Sprint race at 5:00 pm local time (7:30 pm IST). This will be the final Sprint of the 2025 F1 season. Later that evening, the main Grand Prix Qualifying will take place at 9:00 pm local time (11:30 pm IST) to set the grid for Sunday's headline event.
The grand finale, the Qatar Grand Prix itself, is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 pm local time (9:30 pm IST). With the championship so tightly poised, every session promises edge-of-the-seat drama for F1 fans in India and around the world.
