Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's sprint race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (18:00 GMT).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Circuit Details
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown has begun.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to challenge the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to the team team principal.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth-place finish in the grand prix, he did not manage to make it out of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. The team have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," says Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect plenty of learning.
Team Standings
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, will be hoping to seal second place during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind Verstappen.
Past Performance
Piastri was victorious then – as he did the previous season, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over 20 minutes to go till the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of highly important in its itself, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, the runner-up spot here was sufficient for the driver to become champion two years ago.
The driver wins the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
