Event
The F1 engineer's guide to the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix
by Raceteq
2min read
The 2025 Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix introduces a new tyre rule to account for the high temperatures of the Lusail International Circuit, where the 2025 F1 and Formula 2 campaigns near their respective conclusions.
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In Qatar, F1 drivers will be limited to 25 laps per tyre set for the whole race weekend given the high energy, thermal stress and wear of the circuit. This limit includes laps under the safety car and Virtual Safety Car (VSC) - but not laps to the grid, formation laps, or laps after the chequered flag.
In the 57-lap Qatar Grand Prix, each driver will have to pit at least twice given the 25-lap limit.
Tyre supplier Pirelli says the measure has been taken following analysis of the 2024 Qatar GP.
"Last year, several tyres, particularly the left front, had reached the maximum wear level. These conditions, combined with the high lateral energy had increased the structural fatigue of the [tyre] construction," it stated.
Teams will be allocated the hardest compounds in Pirelli's range: the C1 as the hard, the C2 as the medium, and the C3 as the soft.
Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team deputy performance engineer Tim Wright takes us through the technical demands of Qatar's Lusail International Circuit.
Pirelli's infographic for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix and sprint
Lusail International Circuit, Qatar
Length: 5.419 kilometres
Number of laps: 57
Number of turns: 16
"This is a pretty straightforward circuit in that it includes a number of high-speed corners. Turn 6 is the only low-speed corner on the track; the rest of the track is high-speed.
"It's demanding on the tyres because drivers spend a lot of time on the abrasive kerbs and in the high-speed corners, which impart plenty of lateral load. As a result, it's easy to make decisions on set-up here in Qatar.
"It's going to be a high-downforce set-up for the teams this weekend.
"As it's a sprint weekend, we only get one free practice session. So, it's difficult. You aren't sending your drivers with the best set-up in the world and engineers aren't going to get an optimal view on high-fuel running.
With just one practice session, teams will have very little time to get used to the demands of Lusail International Circuit
"You've got to decide whether you prioritise qualifying - for track position - or the race, to make up positions.
"With these cars, you're not only required to get the set-up in the right window from an aerodynamics point of view, but you've got to get the balance and behaviour right to give the driver what they need to go fast and be confident in the car.
"Legality is also key. You can't wear the plank out, and you've got to be reliable. You can't turn a blind eye to brake temperatures or cooling, which is paramount in Qatar.
"So having only an hour to do that and set those things in stone for at least two sessions to come is a bit of a challenge."
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