STRATEGY GUIDE: What are the tactical options for the Qatar Grand Prix?
Matt Youson takes a look at the different pit stop and tyre options that are available to the teams on race day at the Lusail International Circuit.
Our three championship contenders line-up in the first three spots on the grid for today’s race and Lando Norris can become a World Champion if things go his way on Sunday – but first he’ll have to get past team mate Oscar Piastri, and out-score Max Verstappen.
And just to add a little more intrigue, we have an unusual set of restrictions on tyre usage, tailored to prevent a repeat of last year’s punctures. It may make strategy more complicated, it make it more straightforward – but it’s certainly going to make it different…
What happened last year?
Lusail is one of those circuits that ushers drivers into an ultra-high-speed game of chicken, in which nobody wants to blink first. Last year’s race was a medium>hard one-stop, with an optimum time for a pit-stop around Lap 20.
Next Up
Related Articles
Williams confirm Browning as reserve driver for 2026.webp)
F1 IconsBrowning on why 'gentleman' Damon Hill is his hero.webp)
See all the angles of Audi’s 2026 F1 car
Logan Sargeant confirmed as Ford WEC Hypercar driver
Haas show off their new livery for 2026 F1 seasonStoffel.webp)
UnlockedInside the F1 driver’s bubble – The Reserve Driver