Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Warm-Up Lap Period
The formation lap has started.
Track Information
We have nineteen laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown has begun.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky speaking with Sky currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to Aston Martin lead role.
Grid Details
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of Q1 again on the previous day. Ferrari have as a result made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Alright, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion two years ago.
Max Verstappen wins the championship after Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
