Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Real-Time Coverage
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula 1, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The final countdown is underway.
Driver Situation
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by a single position. It's improbable to challenge the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, speaking with the engineer about his promotion to the team team principal.
Grid Details
Just 16 cars on the grid. This followed another poor grid-setting session for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he failed to make it out of the first qualifying segment again on Friday. The team have consequently adjusted to his setup and so he will start from the pit lane.
Aston Martin's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We take the experience for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. There will be plenty of learning.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have run away with the team championship but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, 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 start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri was victorious then – as he managed last year, too. McLaren's Australian is going for a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately 20 minutes remaining until the sprint race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of what is to come, instead of significant in its own right, with only eight points available to the winner. However, the runner-up spot in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to claim the title in a prior season.
The driver wins F1 world title following his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.
