The tests for the penultimate grand prix of the season will start on Friday in Qatar: all the drivers will be forced to change tires twice. A variable in the race for the title between Lando, Verstappen and Piastri
There is one more variable in the very intricate final of the Formula 1 drivers’ world championship. In the penultimate Grand Prix which will take place over the weekend in Qatar, each driver will be obliged to make at least two tire changes and in any case each train cannot be used for more than 25 laps. The limitation was decided to prevent the tires from reaching the maximum level of wear as happened in 2024 and are in any case used, managing their degradation, beyond the useful life of the compound, thus putting excessive strain on the construction. Everything will have to be calibrated in the special format of the Sprint Race, the last one of the year, which however will not be “limited” as the 19 laps planned will not make the pit stop necessary. The decision was made last March and was approved by all the teams, essentially making two pit stops mandatory during the race, standardizing the strategies of all the teams.
Lando isolates himself
After the double disqualification of Mc Laren in Las Vegas, the ghost of Max Verstappen hovers over the head of Lando Norris, the leader of the world drivers’ championship. The Englishman who just arrived in Qatar explained his way of easing the pressure after the mockery in Las Vegas: “I left social media. I don’t want to know anything. I know a lot of people have said things about me, but it’s part of the game. I let them waste energy, certain games don’t work with meThe number one danger is the Dutchman, everything is very clear in Norris’s head, and he doesn’t hide: “In every briefing we have always considered him as a threat. We know what he is capable of and we know what Red Bull is capable of.” Norris tries to reset, after all the lead is still 24 points. “It will be like being in Mexico, when I arrived knowing I wasn’t leading the world championship. I’m just as relaxed as when I was 35 points away from Oscar.” And speaking of his box roommate, he doesn’t expect help: “I am convinced that Piastri is also a threat at the same level as Verstappen. I consider them equally strong.” Piastri seems to believe little in it: “Even two perfect weekends won’t be enough to win the world championship. We would need some help from outside…”.
Max’s serenity
Verstappen remains the calmest, he has nothing to lose and he makes it clear: “After Las Vegas we got closer in the rankings but this won’t change our approach. We face every weekend trying to maximize the car’s performance and obtaining as many points as possible. In Qatar there is also the Sprint, so more points available and we can only afford a perfect weekend. Lusail is a demanding circuit, the heat makes tire management crucial and we have to make sure we do everything correctly keeping in mind that we will have to make two mandatory stops.”
And the Ferraris are watching
Far from the best, the Ferraris of Leclerc and Hamilton will still play supporting roles. Last year Charles achieved second place behind Verstappen who won the world champion title in Qatar. Lewis Hamilton instead seems to be waiting for this shocking 2025 to end. “How do I evaluate it? I don’t, I just want to look forward. I don’t have much to say, the results speak for themselves. We have some positive aspects to take, to look forward. There’s a lot of cohesion in the team, there’s a fantastic passion and now we will focus on next year. The thing I have learned in these twelve months is to react, get back on my feet after difficulties“.
