Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to cover this day's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Track Information
We have 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The final countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with Red Bull's lead driver.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to the team lead role.
Starting Positions
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, approximately 20 minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of what is to come, instead of highly important in its own right, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
