Lusail is a tyre circuit above all else. The long sequence of fast sweeps loads the sidewalls harder than anywhere on the calendar, which is why stint limits and mandatory extra stops have featured, and that turns strategy into a much more constrained exercise than usual. Overtaking is largely limited to the main straight, so qualifying and clean air carry real weight, and races here can settle into a procession if the front row gets away cleanly. High downforce and strong high-speed aerodynamic stability are the profile that suits. Heat and humidity have proved a genuine driver-welfare factor. Favour well-drilled operations that manage tyres without losing lap time.

Abu Dhabi is a qualifying circuit that has become slightly less of one. The 2021 revisions opened up genuine passing into the heavy braking zones, but track position still matters and the front row converts more often than not. Degradation is usually mild in the cool evening air, which pushes teams towards a straightforward one-stop and limits strategic variation. Grip climbs as the surface cools from daylight into dusk, so read practice times with the session time in mind. Brake demand is high and lock-ups into the slow corners are the common error. Favour strong single-lap performers with good traction out of slow corners, and expect fewer surprises here than at most venues.