Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
Philip is arriving soon to guide you through today's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The starting lap has started.
Circuit Details
We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator points out.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is jumping ahead to 2026, interviewing Adrian Newey about his promotion to the team team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, 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 setup and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: The team have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. George Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he managed the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.
Short Race Importance
Right, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title two years ago.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
