Title permutations, tyre life and track limits – What To Watch For in the Qatar Grand Prix

From two McLaren drives with very different objectives to Max Verstappen having nothing to lose, and from unique tyre restrictions this weekend to track limit violations adding jeopardy, here are five key things to look out for during the penultimate race of the season at the Lusail International Circuit.

1. Piastri trying to force a championship decider

Oscar Piastri has been on form from the very start of the Qatar weekend, hitting the ground running in FP1 and continuing that momentum to take Sprint pole, win the Sprint, and now secure pole position for the main event.

The Australian’s Sprint victory was his first top three finish in any race or Sprint since the end of the European season at the Italian Grand Prix – where he finished third – and could not have come at a better time.