The Formula 1 circus arrives in Lusail for one of the most challenging events of the entire season. Qatar Grand Prix It represents a unique challenge: high-speed corners, high temperatures, and some of the worst tire degradation on the calendar. For Fantasy managers, the return of the Sprint format also offers an additional scoring session and greater opportunities to climb the standings.
The Qatari track rewards aerodynamic efficiency, tire management, and consistency through long, fast corners. With the Sprint format reducing free practice to a single session, the strategic pressure increases exponentially. Historically, Lusail has favored the most reliable drivers and well-balanced cars, making the selection of their drivers crucial to maximizing points.
Lando Norris: the protagonist's return
After McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas, which heavily impacted the Fantasy scores of those who owned Lando NorrisThe Briton is ready for redemption. This was the first Grand Prix in two seasons in which Norris was unclassified, ending an extraordinary streak of consistency.
The papaya driver has an excellent feeling with Lusail. Furthermore, the McLaren excels in the medium- to high-speed corners, which the Qatari circuit is rich in, making Norris an almost obligatory choice for those aiming for victory in Fantasy F1.
With the rating dropped after Las Vegas and Max Verstappen less recommended for the shape and performance of the car, the British driver becomes the absolute reference.
The luxury alternatives: Leclerc and Russell
Recent Grands Prix have shown that even outsiders can shake up the hierarchy. Mexico City was a prime example. Mercedes and Ferrari, currently the third and fourth strongest teams, could join the fight for the top spots.
Expectations for the German team are particularly high, given the excellent performances shown during 2024. George Russell He represents an interesting option for Fantasy managers looking for alternatives to Norris, with excellent value for money.
From the Ferrari front, Charles Leclerc He remains a guarantee of performance and spectacle. The Monegasque has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to handle complicated situations and challenging circuits like Lusail.
Not to underestimate Andrea Kimi AntonelliThe Bologna-born driver has collected two consecutive podiums and shown significant progress in tire management and his ability to combine pace, concentration, and race vision. This could prove a winning bet for those looking for a mid-budget rider.
Pierre Gasly: the desire for redemption
Pierre Gasly arrives in Qatar with an unfinished business after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where an accident caused by Bortoleto at Turn 1 compromised a race that was proving promising. The Frenchman had shown competitive pace in both the dry and wet, revealing the Alpine's potential.
Gasly highlighted the unique characteristics of Lusail, a track with its high-speed corners that presents a fascinating challenge. The Sprint format, with just one free practice session, requires immediate preparation, but the French team is motivated to score valuable points in the final two races of the season.
A choice worth considering for those looking for a low-mid range driver with the potential for surprise.
Isack Hadjar: the revelation continues
If there's one driver who deserves a place in your Fantasy F1 team for Qatar, it's him. Isaac HadjarThe Racing Bulls rookie is enjoying extraordinary form, as evidenced by the 16 points he collected in Las Vegas, his second-best result of 2025.
Consistency is his strong point: Hadjar has finished in the classification for 10 consecutive races, a record that speaks for itself. But it's in qualifying that the Frenchman is making the difference: 13 Q3 appearances out of 22 sessions run represent the best performance of any driver not racing for the top four teams in the Constructors' Championship.
Thinkin' about how we get to say “it's race week” for TWO more weeks 😏#F1 #VCARB pic.twitter.com/TTGd35FmbO
— Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team (@visashapprb) November 24, 2025
Currently ninth in the drivers' standings, just three points ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, Hadjar has all the credentials to shine on a circuit that rewards performance in Saturday's final session. After a solid weekend in Las Vegas, the young talent heads to Qatar with great confidence.
It should not be forgotten that Racing Bulls is fighting for sixth place in the constructors' championship with Aston Martin and Haas, a further incentive for the team to push hard in this final part of the season.
