Talking Points: Lance Stroll on the resilience and rhythm required to meet the challenges of the Qatar Grand Prix

Intense lateral g-forces, strict tyre limits, and high speed, the Qatar Grand Prix demands commitment and composure. Lance Stroll shares how he's gearing up for the penultimate Grand Prix of the season and a race weekend that tests every aspect of a driver.

With the dust barely settled after the neon spectacle of Las Vegas, the Formula One paddock has crossed continents once again, trading Nevada for the Middle East and the relentless Lusail International Circuit.

The Qatar Grand Prix represents a pure driver challenge. High-energy corners, punishing kerbs, and tyre constraints necessitate precision and discipline in equal measure, amplified by the fact the final Sprint of the season is also on the billing.

It's a race weekend that rewards resilience: physical, mental, and mechanical. Lance Stroll gives his guide to racing under the floodlights of the Qatari circuit.

We're crossing the globe from Las Vegas to Qatar in a matter of days. How do you deal with the travel?

"It's definitely one of the tougher weeks of the year. Vegas is busy in every sense, there's so much happening on and off the track, and then you go quickly into a completely different environment in Qatar.

"But that's part of modern Formula One and you learn to switch modes, plus it helps that we did it last year so we know what to expect.

"I actually added another stop to my journey by heading to the AMR Technology Campus at the start of the week for some simulator work and to have a seat and helmet fit for 2026.

"It's been a busy few days but I can't wait to go racing again this weekend."

Put us in the cockpit. What makes the Qatar Grand Prix such a challenge?

"It's the combination of speed and intensity. There aren't many slow corners; it's all medium- and high-speed, one after another, with big lateral g-loads. You don't really get a breather apart from on the start/finish straight.

"And then there's the heat. Even though we race at night, the cockpit still gets hot and the tyres also heat up quickly because they're under so much stress.

"But it's a challenge to really look forward to. The circuit is fun to drive because it's so fast and a Formula One car is at its best through high-speed corners."

The sheer number of medium- and high-speed corners puts a huge amount of energy and lateral load through the tyres.

Pirelli have mandated a 25-lap maximum on each tyre set. Why is that and how does that shape the weekend?

"It reinforces how tough Lusail is. It tells you everything you need to know about the punishment the tyres are taking, and that's down to a few factors.

"Principally, the sheer number of medium- and high-speed corners in such quick succession puts a huge amount of energy and lateral load through the tyres, and there are very few places through the lap where you can rest them.

"Then, you've got the abrasive track surface and the kerbs, which only increase wear even further.

"Obviously in the Grand Prix we'll notice that rule most. To an extent, it will pre-determine our strategy – everyone will have to stop at least twice. In turn, that creates shorter stints between stops and probably more flat-out pushing as tyre management might not be as important as usual, which only adds to the intensity behind the wheel.

"Of course, managing the tyres won't be a total afterthought, especially with the fast, sweeping corners, but there won't be any stints being stretched as we see elsewhere."

You feel the g-forces here more than at a lot of tracks.

How do you prepare physically for a race like this?

"A lot of work goes into core strength and neck training because of the lateral loads. You feel the g-forces here more than at a lot of tracks. It's sustained load, not just quick spikes.

"Hydration is also crucial. You start focusing on that days before the race weekend. We also have cooling vests which keep our core temperature in check if it gets particularly hot.

"But it's something I'm very used to by now, and at this point in the season you're in full flow physically, so there won't be any issues."

What are you and the team focusing on this weekend?

"With a Sprint and a Grand Prix there are two opportunities to score points so we'll do everything we can to take advantage of that. The midfield battle in the championship is very tight and one good result can lift you a number of positions in the standings. We want to finish as high as we can.

"These tough triple-headers are all about working closely together as a team. We're coming to the end of a long season but everyone in the garage is still pushing as much as possible. I'm grateful for all their continued hard work.

"In terms of the track itself, Qatar is very specific in terms of balance. You need a car that can rotate well in medium-speed corners but remain stable in the high-speed sections. As it's a Sprint weekend, we have just one practice session to hone the car's setup so we'll be making every second count."

Qatar Grand Prix