Qatar, Doha, 29 November, 2025 - The FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2025 electrified fans with the return of the Sprint Saturday at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), kicking off an adrenaline fueled day on 29 November. With a high octane agenda packed with the final F1® Sprint of the season, Grand Prix qualifying, and exciting support races, the vibrant Sprint Saturday filled grandstands. The bustling Fan Zone continued to hum with energy as attendees dove into engaging activations, challenging games, immersive displays, and exclusive merchandise.
The day kicked off with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Qualifying Session, where Japan's Taichi Watarai (Seven X Seven) claimed pole with a blistering 1:57.344 lap. Australia's Caleb Sumich (DHL Team) followed closely in second at 1:57.757, while Qatar's A. Al-Khelaifi (QMMF) secured third with 1:57.814.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Qatar Airways Flyover, featuring the airline's specially liveried Boeing 777-300ER (A7-BEG) for Formula 1® performing an iconic flypast over LIC. This breathtaking aerial display, with the aircraft soaring fairly close above the track, added a spectacular dimension to the event.
The fan favorite F1® Sprint delivered 19 laps of high stakes drama over 102.689 km. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri converted his Sprint Qualifying pole into a commanding victory with a total time of 26:51.033, pulling clear early and managing late-race tyre drop-off to hold off Mercedes’ George Russell by 4.951 seconds. Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris completed the podium, finishing 6.279 seconds behind after an early challenge on Russell. Max Verstappen recovered to fourth despite persistent porpoising issues, while Yuki Tsunoda took fifth on the road before a five-second penalty promoted, then re-dropped, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who also earned a penalty for repeated track-limit infringements.
The FIA Formula 2™ Sprint Race brought more edge-of-the-seat action over 23 laps and 124.365 km. MP Motorsport's Richard Verschoor emerged victorious in 42:36.481, edging out AIX Racing's Joshua Dürksen by just 0.970 seconds. Van Amersfoort Racing's Rafael Villagómez rounded out the podium in third, 1.607 seconds off the lead.
The evening peaked with F1® qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix, where Oscar Piastri carried his Sprint winning form into a crucial pole position. The McLaren driver delivered a superb 1:19.387 after Lando Norris, fastest on the first Q3 runs, ran wide at Turn 2 on his final lap, settling for second, 0.108 seconds behind. Max Verstappen secured third with a 1:19.651, keeping all three title contenders locked on the front rows. George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli completed the top five, while the session saw tight margins, shifting track conditions, and several big names including Hamilton and Tsunoda falling in Q1.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East kicked off Race 1 over 11 laps with Australia’s Caleb Sumich (DHL Team) claiming victory in 21:44.486. Japan’s Taichi Watarai (Seven X Seven) finished a close second, just 1.276 seconds behind, while Qatar’s A. Al-Khelaifi (QMMF) secured a podium finish in third, crossing the line 6.022 seconds off the lead. The session highlighted the success of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF)'s efforts in promoting local talent on the global stage, with Al-Khelaifi making the podium twice during the day.
Enhancing the premium experience, Paddock Club guests savored another exclusive Pit Lane Walk, offering intimate views of team operations and garage activity. The thrill extended to the Paddock Club Track Tour, providing guided insights into the circuit's layout and the strategic maneuvers it requires drivers to make.
Fan interaction peaked with multiple F1® Drivers Fan Forums, allowing enthusiasts to connect with stars from teams including Red Bull, Mercedes and Haas, and Alpine. These sessions distributed exclusive merchandise and fostered closer ties between drivers and supporters.
Off-track entertainment soared with Algerian music icon Cheb Khaled, the "King of Raï," headlining the Lusail Live Stage. His blend of traditional rhythms with global appeal captivated audiences across generations.
Gates open at 12:00 PM for Sunday's Grand Prix, running until 10:00 PM, with the Fan Zone closing at 09:45 PM and concert gates opening at 08:00 PM. The main race starts at 07:00 PM, concluding around 09:00 PM, after which the legendary Metallica will close out the weekend with an epic post race concert on the Lusail Live Stage.. Ticket holders can redeem complimentary Metro passes at the goldclub office in any Doha Metro station or select Lusail Tram stations. Doha Metro and Lusail Tram services are extended from 05:00 AM Sunday to 02:30 AM Monday, complemented by free shuttles from Lusail QNB Station to the circuit operating from 11:45 AM Sunday to 02:00 AM Monday.
-ENDS-
5 Jun 2026
