Motorsport photoAlex HarringtonThu, November 27, 2025 at 10:05 PM UTC·5 min readThe 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThese 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMax Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20Is 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"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
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Charles Leclerc, FerrariKym Illman / Getty Images
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementScuderia Ferrari pit crew practice
Scuderia Ferrari pit crew practiceDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenAndrew Ferraro / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, FerrariKym Illman / Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari
Frederic Vasseur, FerrariKym Illman / Getty Images
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls TeamRudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA general view of the Paddock
A general view of the PaddockMark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin RacingZak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
Scuderia Ferrari pit crew practice
Scuderia Ferrari pit crew practiceDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, FerrariDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg, SauberGuido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto, SauberDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineJayce Illman / Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, MercedesDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lando Norris, McLaren
Lando Norris, McLarenZak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team
Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls TeamSam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull RacingDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, FerrariDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Franco Colapinto, AlpineSam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen, Red Bull RacingDom Gibbons / LAT Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes
George Russell, MercedesLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 TeamLars Baron / LAT Images via Getty Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine
Pierre Gasly, AlpineSam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Oscar Piastri, McLarenSteven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
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