Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Opening Notes
Philip is about to begin to guide you through today's short race (2pm GMT) and qualifying (6pm).
Current Events
Starting Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
There are 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Countdown
The last moments is underway.
Driver Situation
An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with Red Bull's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky speaking with Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is jumping ahead to 2026, speaking with the engineer about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Grid Details
Just sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth-place finish in the main race, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the starting area.
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: McLaren have dominated the team championship but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over Red Bull, are aiming to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from the front row, and Kimi Antonelli will begin immediately after the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day – as he did the previous season, too. McLaren's Australian is attempting a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining until the sprint race gets under way. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points awarded to the winner. Mind you, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion in a prior season.
The driver claimed F1 world title after Pérez crashes out of the short race.
