The president of the FIA (International Automobile Federation), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, praised the Qatar GP, describing it as “more than a race”. The event will take place between November 28 and 30 at the Lusail Circuit, and according to the leader, it represents the country’s strategy to develop motorsport at all levels, from local to global.
“The Qatar Grand Prix is more than a race – it’s a symbol of the country’s ambition, not just to host, but to expand motorsport from the grassroots to the global stage,” said Ben Sulayem. The Emirati leader also highlighted the growing role of the Middle East in Formula 1 and reaffirmed the FIA’s confidence in the region:
“As we look to the future, this Grand Prix reaffirms our confidence in the Middle East and the important part the region plays in the championship calendar,” he said.
Since its debut in 2021, the Qatar race has faced criticism, mainly related to the high temperatures and specific tire rules that need to be applied. For 2025, the FIA and Pirelli have defined a mandatory 25-lap stint for each compound, maintaining the tradition of specific technical adjustments for the event.
However, the decision is not unanimous in the paddock. Ayao Komatsu, head of Haas, commented that the measure may harm the excitement of the race. “I’m not a fan of artificial changes in races,” said the Japanese, reinforcing his position against changes that interfere with the natural rhythm of the test.
