Following each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, offering you an exclusive and playful digital recap of the race weekend. Reporter André Venema brings you the latest from Qatar!
QATAR: A TRENDSETTER IN MOTORSPORTS
With a ten-year contract estimated to be worth half a billion dollars, the Qatar Grand Prix is firmly anchored on the Formula 1 calendar until 2033. The wealthy oil state is making a good impression with this, as money is no object in the desert.
Anyone looking around the heart of Doha would think they were in a city of the future. Modern skyscrapers, large shopping centers, wide roads, an intricate metro network, and not a speck of dirt on the streets or graffiti on the walls. Countless security cameras and strict regulations make it one of the safest cities in the world. And the development continues: new residential towers are being built everywhere, extending far beyond the city. Qatar is becoming increasingly popular with foreign workers.
The Losail International Circuit is no exception to the high standard demanded by the powers that be in Qatar, just like the brand-new Hamad International Airport. The track was designed at the beginning of this century by Formula 1’s in-house architect Hermann Tilke, who was also a guest of honor at this year’s Grand Prix. A thousand workers completed the desert job within a year. The cost of the circuit: just under 70 million dollars. A drop in the ocean. In 2004, the MotoGP had its international premiere there, and four years later, the Qatari race became the first to be held under artificial light. Desert states are doing everything they can to stand out and/or set trends in sports.
Four years ago, Formula 1 followed suit, for an annual fee of about 50 million dollars, from MotoGP. To accommodate the world’s fastest racing circus and modernize the outdated facilities, a completely new pit building has been erected. It is over four hundred meters long, a first. The riders’ quarters also got a facelift. With large LED screens, plenty of light, spacious and modern accommodations for the teams, and the latest technological gadgets, the paddock in Qatar is by far the most modern on the current calendar.
Grand Prix Impressions from Drivers and Fans
Over the past few years, the grandstand capacity has been increased to 52,000 seats, and both drivers and fans have been full of praise for the Grand Prix. The event is also appreciated for its musical side program: this year, Seal and Metallica were featured on the concert poster.
Contrasting Race Outcomes
Unlike three years ago, when Max Verstappen became world champion in the sprint race, this year did not see a decisive outcome. While this was unfortunate, it did not pose a significant concern for the organizers. A full house, two entertaining races, and promotion of Qatar were of much greater value to them.
Highlights from Doha
Max’s Quote of the Day
“I didn’t think I would win here, that’s for sure. In terms of pure speed, we were really not at McLaren’s level. But we made the right decision, like most teams, to change the tires when the safety car came on the track. That secured the victory. After that pit stop, I knew it would be two long stints in terms of managing the tires. That went fine, they hardly got any closer. We had everything under control afterwards.”
Highlights and Lowlights
The Qatar Grand Prix was initially predicted to be potentially dull due to the limited overtaking opportunities at the Lusail International Circuit. However, it quickly evolved into a strategic spectacle, where the world champion lived up to his reputation and a German jubilarian had a different outcome in mind.
Highlight: Max Verstappen
Carlos Sainz could have just as easily been in this spot as Max Verstappen. The Spaniard had a top-notch weekend in the desert. Starting from the seventh position, he finished on the podium, his second this year for Williams. But the performance that Max Verstappen, crowned Driver of the Day, delivered in Qatar, was just a tad more impressive. Although he was slightly disappointed after qualifying third and complained about the car’s imbalance and understeer, he managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat a day later. This was with some help from McLaren, which was the only team not to call their drivers in when the safety car entered the track early in the race. Verstappen immediately smelled blood and then it was time to watch out. With a flawless performance and perfectly executed strategy, he won and suddenly the fifth world title was in sight. “I’m looking forward to it,” he warns Lando Norris in anticipation of the climax in Abu Dhabi.
FLOP: Nico Hülkenberg
Nico Hülkenberg celebrates a milestone at the Qatar Grand Prix that not many drivers are granted: the German is starting an F1 race for the 250th time in the desert. “I never expected this when I started,” admits the veteran. He is aiming for a top-10 finish at the Lusail International Circuit, which would earn him World Championship points. His starting position after the qualifying round is quite favorable, despite an anonymous sprint race (P16): Hülkenberg starts the main event from the eleventh place. He is satisfied with this, as it offers him perspective. “Although it remains frustrating to miss Q3 by a few thousandths. But the car feels good, we can fight with the others for points,” he says. A day after the promising qualification, the race ends in disappointment. Despite an aggressive strategy with the softest tire, the milestone race is over within fifteen minutes due to a collision with Pierre Gasly.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Qatar Grand Prix!
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WIN: ONE OF THESE TWO POSTERS!
Three Questions for… Nico Hülkenberg
‘F1 is a fantastic environment to work in’
Nico Hülkenberg raced his 250th Grand Prix in Formula 1 in Qatar. The German veteran has revived his career at Stake F1, securing his first podium finish last summer in Silverstone. And according to him, the adventure is far from over, with a move to Audi planned for next year.
Nico, rewind to 2010. When you started this F1 journey, could you have imagined you would race 250 times?
“Yes and no. I think it’s something that as a driver you don’t really dwell on. You just race, you live in the moment, you do your best, you keep fighting, you keep going. And it was fun. I would do it all over again. Of course, there were good days and bad days, but all in all, Formula 1 is a fantastic environment to work in. I’ve worked with many wonderful people, made friends, and I still enjoy it.”
Can you elaborate? How satisfying is it to see the team grow this year?
“Of course, it was a journey with ups and downs, as it is for every team in the midfield. We started from behind, not in the best position, but from Barcelona onwards, we managed to regroup, turn things around, and regain control of the season. We’ve had a few great highlights, a few significant results for our team. All in all, I think we’ve made good progress. The atmosphere is positive. Naturally, when you achieve results, when you’re racing for points, when you can truly compete, it creates a different feeling. Everyone is happy and involved, and that creates a certain vibe. It’s important to remember where the team came from last year; it was a very difficult season for them. And we’ve managed to work our way out of that, step by step. We’ve come a long way, and we need to keep doing what we’re doing.”
You’ve been paired with a newcomer this year, Gabriel Bortoleto. Have you learned anything from him or has he helped you in any way?
“Absolutely. Being a rookie doesn’t mean you can’t perform or don’t know how to drive. We’ve all been debutants at some point, you have to start somewhere in F1. And Gabi was certainly impressive on the driving-technical side. His input and technical knowledge, that’s something he’s really strong in. So honestly, there have been many moments this year when I’ve learned from him. We learn from each other, look at each other’s data. So, yes.”
(Red Bull Contentpool)
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the spectacular conclusion of the Formula 1 season. From Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, the premier class descends on the Yas Marina Circuit, ready for three days of free practice, qualification, and the ultimate finale: the race under artificial lights. With exactly 58 laps around the 5.281 km long circuit, the season’s champion will be definitively crowned.
Schedule for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Friday, December 5
- First free practice: 07:30 – 08:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 11:00 – 12:00 UTC
Saturday, December 6
- Third free practice: 08:30 – 09:30 UTC
- Qualification: 12:00 – 13:00 UTC
Sunday, December 7
- Race: 11:00 UTC
