Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through this day's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Starting Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: following his result of 20th and last in Las Vegas, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did last year, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over twenty minutes to go until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as an indication of future events, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of the short race.
