Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage

Opening Notes

Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's sprint race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).

Real-Time Updates

Warm-Up Lap Time

The formation lap has started.

Track Information

There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator points out.

Countdown

The countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

One point in Max Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's lead driver.

Interview Updates

Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is with Mercedes.

Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team lead role.

Starting Positions

There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.

The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.

Racer Statements

"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can help them achieve that from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.

Previous Results

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. The driver from McLaren is attempting a hat-trick.

Sprint Race Value

Right, just over twenty minutes to go until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.

The driver claimed the championship following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.