Qatar's Short Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Coverage
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to cover this day's sprint race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Real-Time Updates
Warm-Up Lap Time
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by one place. He is unlikely to challenge Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming 20th and last in the previous race, leading to an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment again on the previous day. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine pair of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Driver Comments
"We take the learning for tomorrow," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but the team, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Oscar Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. However, second place here was enough for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following Pérez crashes out of Qatar GP sprint race.
