Race preview: Qatar Grand Prix
Here’s everything you need to know about Alex’s visit to the Lusail International Circuit
Published
26 NOV 2025
Est. reading time
3 min
The first race of the season-ending triple header din't produce the result we wanted, but Alex is ready to go again in Qatar in what is the final Sprint event of the 2025 season.
His last Sprint outing saw him secure his best result in the format, coming home in P6 in the United States.
AA23 is ready to duel in the Doha desert once again, and here's all you need to know ahead of Round 23.
Previous stints in Qatar
Alex produced a memorable performance at the Lusail International Circuit back in 2023 — claiming Williams Racing’s first-ever Sprint points by securing a P7 finish.
He did it in style, too, after climbing all the way from a P17 starting position to add two points to the team’s tally.
It was a remarkable display from Albono, who progressed through the order past a host of drivers up to P8, before a five-second time penalty for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc saw him elevated to seventh.
“We capitalised on everyone’s difficulties today and this resulted in a point, which is now two points following Charles’ penalty, so I’m very happy!” Alex said, following the race.
“We took a gamble with set-up and we made it work, so I think it came down to good strategy and some good fortune.”
Our Thai racer will hope for more of that good fortune this weekend, as he goes in search of his first Sunday points in Qatar.
Track guide
There’s always going to be a strong sense of anticipation at the season’s penultimate race, but the Qatar GP’s evening start time adds an additional frisson to proceedings in the Gulf state.
The Lusail International Circuit’s layout boosts excitement too, thanks to its flowing nature and mix of technical turns and flat-out straights.
That combination is sure to challenge all drivers on the grid when racing commences, as they face almost every corner type imaginable across this 5.419 km (3.367 miles) track.
A lap begins with a long straight leading into a challenging series of high-speed turns that will certainly put the FW47’s aerodynamics to the test.
Sector 2’s lower-speed corners are no less difficult to navigate, though, with plenty of precision required.
The pace then quickens once again around the turns of Sector 3, leading into a final main straight that contains the circuit’s only DRS zone.
Stay up to date
It’s the final Sprint of the season this weekend, which means things are looking a little different to usual when it comes to timings.
Round 23 begins with a solitary Free Practice session at 4.30pm AST on Friday, ahead of Sprint Qualifying at 8.30pm.
Then it’s the Sprint itself at 5pm on Saturday, before Qualifying gets underway at 9pm. Finally, the Qatar GP itself starts at 7pm AST on Sunday.
Claim your Qatar GP Fan Passport stamp
This week’s ‘Albono’ (a digital avatar of AA23) is cooling off in an ice bath, in preparation for the warm temperatures of Qatar!
And you can add this eye-catching stamp design to your Fan Passport now, by clicking on the link below.
Make sure to claim it quickly, though, as it’ll only be available while Alex is racing in Lusail!
Albono's Fan Passport
Show your support for Alex by adding Fan Passport stamps to your collection throughout the season!
Start collecting!
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