P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why is the Qatar GP a mandatory two-stop race?
The Qatar Grand Prix this weekend is the penultimate race weekend of the 2025 season, featuring both a sprint race and a full-length grand prix at the Lusail International Circuit. Championship leader Lando Norris could potentially secure the title in Qatar.
Tyre strategy will be crucial, with the return of the mandatory two-stop race. Pirelli, along with F1 and the FIA, have set a limit of 25 laps per set of tyres, requiring all teams to change tyres at least twice during the 57-lap race.
Teams and drivers will need to adapt their strategies to meet this requirement; similar measures were seen at the Monaco GP earlier this season. The decision aims to address concerns about tyre wear and damage, following analysis of the 2024 race data.
Pirelli’s tyre mandate for the Qatar GP is aimed at managing energy, thermal stress, and wear on the demanding Lusail track. This move seeks to avoid structural fatigue and excessive wear as seen in the past, ensuring a competitive and safe race weekend for all participants.
