Qatar's Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Preamble
Philip is about to begin to cover today's short race (2pm GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Time
The formation lap is underway.
Track Information
We have 19 laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator informs us.
Countdown
The countdown is on.
Driver Situation
One point in Verstappen's favour: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to mess with the team's lead driver.
Interview Updates
Sky's internal discussion currently: the analyst is at the Mercedes team.
Karun Chandhok is looking forward to 2026, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.
Starting Positions
There are only sixteen vehicles on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for the driver: after coming 20th and last in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the main race, he did not manage to make it out of Q1 again on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he will start from the starting area.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Franco Colapinto are all doing likewise.
Racer Statements
"We'll use the learning for tomorrow," states Hadjar, 11th on the grid. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
It's not all about the drivers' title: The team have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over Red Bull, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. George Russell can assist in this goal from second place, and Kimi Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Previous Results
Piastri won that day – as he did last year, too. The driver from McLaren is going for a hat-trick.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, just over 20 minutes remaining until the short race begins. Barring disaster, its main importance is as a preview of future events, rather than significant in its own right, with just eight championship points available to the victor. However, second place in this race was sufficient for the driver to claim the title two years ago.
Max Verstappen claimed F1 world title after his teammate's accident of the short race.