Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Current Events
Starting Lap Period
The formation lap has begun.
Circuit Details
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, David Croft informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. It's improbable to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, interviewing 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, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have run away with the team championship but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Previous Results
Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot in this race was enough for the driver to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
