Max Verstappen needs just a handful of points to seal his third Formula 1 world drivers' championship. 

Meanwhile, McLaren's resurgence has added intrigue to the race for the top four in the constructors' championship.

Along with a full grand prix, F1 is set to host a sprint race under the lights in Qatar.

Here is everything you need to know about this weekend's racing.

Where is the race?

The Qatar Grand Prix is held in the east of the country, at the Lusail International Circuit.

Located roughly 30 kilometres north of the capital Doha, the track is a stone's throw away from the country's east coast, which sits along the Persian Gulf. 

How can I watch the race in Australia?

The only way to watch all the action is via the Fox Sports stable of broadcasting channels.

The F1 will be shown on both Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

The sprint race will begin on Sunday at 4:30am AEDT, with the grand prix starting on Monday at 3am AEDT.

What do I need to know about the track?

The Lusail International Circuit was built with motorcycle racing as its primary focus.

Hosting its first MotoGP race in 2004, the track is a very fast and flowing track that is well suited to bikes.

Medium to high-speed corners are the defining features of the circuit, a tough challenge for any driver who is on older tyres.

The triple right-hand turns of corners 12-14 will really test the stability and downforce of any F1 car.

The best overtaking spot is turn 1, after the long straight which stretches more than 1km kilometre.

What happened last time?

The only time F1 has previously visited Qatar was in 2021, when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were locked in a title battle for the ages. 

Hamilton clawed into Verstappen's championship lead with victory at the Lusail International Circuit.

Verstappen crucially, for the sake of his title ambitions, finished second after starting the race in seventh. 

Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine, claimed third as multiple drivers were felled by tyre punctures.

It was the first podium for Alonso in seven years.

Qatar Grand Prix fast facts

• Number of laps: 57
• Lap distance: 5.419km
• Race distance: 308.611km
• Fastest lap: N/A