Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Updates
Introduction
The author will be here shortly to guide you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).
Real-Time Updates
Formation Lap Time
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are 19 laps of the longest circuit in Formula 1, David Croft reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is underway.
Racer Positions
An advantage in Verstappen's favour: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Media Conversations
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is with Mercedes.
The analyst is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his promotion 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, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to advance of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. Ferrari have consequently made changes to his setup and so he begins from the starting area.
The team's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Racer Statements
"We take the learning for the next day," says Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Team Standings
It's not all about the individual championship: McLaren have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, will be hoping to secure the runner-up position during this event. Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is going for a third consecutive win.
Short Race Importance
Right, just over twenty minutes remaining till the short race gets under way. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its itself, with just eight championship points awarded to the winner. Mind you, the runner-up spot here was enough for the driver to become champion in a prior season.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
