FIA makes changes to Qatar GP circuit ahead of busy F1 weekend

The events notes for the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix confirm that there are a number of changes coming to the Losail International Circuit for this weekend’s Formula 1.

While the 5.4km, 16-corner track layout remains unchanged, the FIA and circuit operators have reworked a number of aspects of the circuit with a focus on track limits, building on the changes made last year. In 2024, organisers added two-metre gravel strips behind the kerbs at multiple exits while reducing kerb heights at several corners to limit the abuse the cars would receive.

For 2025, new gravel strips have been installed at the exit of Turn 6, on the outside of Turn 10, and at the exit of Turn 16, which spits cars out onto the main straight. The gravel at Turn 14 has also been extended so it begins earlier in the corner.

The motivation for this lies in deterring drivers from abusing track limits without relying on policing using cameras. Losail’s long, fast right-hander tempts drivers to run wide while carrying extra speed, but this has historically resulted in a flurry of lap time deletions and penalties.

By making the aforementioned changes, the circuit itself now enforces the rules. After all, putting a tyre over the edge now carries a risk of losing lap time.

These changes are accompanied by a 25-lap tyre limit, added after concerns were raised about the amount of wear found on used tyres from last year’s race. This effectively forces a two-stop race this Sunday, with the wear also aided by the changes to kerbs.

These changes come at the end of the season as McLaren’s Lando Norris fights to retain his place at the top of the drivers’ standings after both papaya-coloured cars were disqualified following the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Is the Briton under threat from the reigning champion, or even his team-mate Oscar Piastri?

“No, both are the same,” he said. “I think they’re both just as good as one another. I know what Max is capable of and I think Oscar is capable of exactly the same as what Max can do. So no, I think the advantage… Both have pros and cons both him being in a different team and Oscar also being in the champions’ team so I think both have pros and cons.

“But each driver wants to fight for their own thing and prove that they’re the best. So no, I think they’re both competitive, they’re both very strong, they’re both incredible drivers, and I’m excited to give them a good fight on track.”

Photos from Qatar GP – Thursday