5 storylines ahead of the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix

The Formula 1 season finale in Qatar intensifies following a dramatic twist after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified due to excessive plank wear, significantly tightening the Drivers' Championship battle. Max Verstappen is now just 24 points behind Norris, who still leads but faces a tougher challenge to secure the title. Qatar, the final Sprint weekend, offers critical points for both driver and constructor standings, with Mercedes looking strong and Red Bull and Ferrari locked in a close fight. Adding a crucial strategic dimension, Pirelli has mandated a maximum 25-lap stint per tyre set for the main race due to wear concerns, effectively enforcing a two-stop strategy at the high-speed Lusail circuit.