Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The last moments has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's favour: his teammate Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Starting Positions
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. Mind you, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver wins the championship following his teammate's accident of the short race.
